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Two of Diamonds: VII
Alyssa’s gloved hand struggled to hold onto the fabric of her brother’s jacket as he lead her to their front row seats of Thomas’s fight, “Why does it feel as if you should be in the ring based on the grip you have on me,” Philip questioned his sister’s strong hold.
“I am on the edge of my seat,” Alyssa spoke, “Cannot imagine the amount of transactions Thomas is a part of in this room,” She spoke deliberately, however, not wanting her brother to know she was aware of the arrangement, “High stakes for Lord Holland, I imagine,” Smoothing out her skirt, she took a seat next to Laura. Laura’s eyes had already found Timothee’s who began to make his way towards their group, “Traitor,” Alyssa muttered to her friend.
“I am but playing by the rules,” Laura spoke, “Have you forgotten we are the Two of Diamonds,” She questioned behind her waving fan, “Do not make things harder for yourself,”
Alyssa’s brows furrowed at her friend’s response, “Have you forgotten what you informed me of last night,”
“I do not see a problem with Lord Holland,” Laura spoke, catching a glimpse of the boxer who made his way towards the ring, “Especially with this view,”
Alyssa’s gaze fell from Laura towards the ring. Her eyes traveled from Thomas’s toned torso to his hands, which he began to wrap for the fight, “Brother,” Alyssa spoke, her eyes flashing behind the boxer, locating Timothee as he spoke briefly to George, “May I wish Lord Holland luck,” She questioned, hoping to indirectly greet George as she passed by.
“Of course,” Philip spoke with relief, “I am glad you and Holland are getting along well,” He spoke, slipping the dark fabric of his jacket down his arms, “Glad that you are no longer so hard headed,”
Philip’s claim made Alyssa bite the inside of her cheek, “Of course brother,” She played along, “If you could excuse me,” Handing Laura the sketchbook that sat in her lap, she shot her friend a glance.
Reciprocating the silent plan, Laura shook her head behind her fan, trying to not draw attention from Sophia as Timothee greeted her.
“Lord Chalamet,” Alyssa bowed, “Mama, if you could excuse me,” Her eyes tracked down George who began to make his way to place his bet for the fight. Cursing under her breath, she greeted those who looked her way as she made her way over to Thomas. Alyssa’s eyes were fixed on the betting booths as she caught Thomas’s attention.
“Miss Macey,” Thomas spoke, straightening his broad shoulders, “I truly appreciate your support,” He studied Alyssa’s wandering gaze before finally meeting her brown eyes, “but you being without chaperone,”
“Trust me, my brother does not keep me out of his sight,” Alyssa answered, “I do hope my presence will not cause you any distraction, my Lord,” she spoke, “I have heard Philip speak of how important this match may be,”
A small smile formed on Thomas’s lips as he watched Alyssa show the smallest interest, “Macey is not wrong,” He admitted, “I may have thrown the fight for myself. You see,” Thomas spoke quietly, closing some space between the two of them, “I found myself planning for our last visit rather than finding myself in the gym,” His fingertips found the fabric of Alyssa’s long, satin glove, “My head has been in a rather different fight than the one I find myself in today,”
Alyssa wished to step back, to not allow Thomas’s closeness to sway her away from getting back at, not only Thomas, but Philip. However, she felt Thomas’s touch trail down her clothed arm, taking hold of her hand.
“Miss Macey,” A familiar voice shook Alyssa out of her daydreams, “I did not expect to see you attending another match,” George spoke, “I would have asked you to attend myself,”
Alyssa watched as Thomas’s hold on her hand tightened, his eyes pleading to keep her attention. Guilt began to wash over her as she started to break Thomas’s gaze, “Lord Haddington,” She spoke, “Should I begin to believe you could top Lord Holland’s generosity,” a smile played on Alyssa’s lips as she spoke, “Front row to the most talked about match in London. A match that will surely make the next Whistledown,” She spoke slowly, realizing that she must be careful on how she played her cards. Whistledown could be anywhere at any moment.
“Then you shall be the first to see Holland lose,” George quarreled with a toothy grin, his eyes studying Thomas’s serious gaze.
Alyssa raised her hand that sat in Thomas’s grasp, looking towards the boxer, “Lord Haddington, will you not join me to see for yourself,” She pulled Thomas’s hands towards her, directing Thomas’s gaze away from George, “We will see if Lord Holland’s head is truly in the fight,” Alyssa toyed, watching Thomas shoot her a stern glance.
“Of course, Miss Macey,” George said with a wide grin, “We do wish you the best of luck, Holland,” He spoke, offering Alyssa his arm.
George stood a bit taller than Thomas. His white sleeves were rolled messily as his bare arm sat in front of Alyssa’s chest. His light brown hair was quite untamed, making Thomas study him with a narrow gaze. His eyes traveled, taking in the suitor’s full appearance. George’s shirt was tossed into his trousers, only the front tucked.
“Should your wandering eyes be any concern to a Diamond,” George spoke as he and Alyssa studied Thomas’s odd behavior.
Alyssa’s brows furrowed, equally as confused at Thomas’s wandering gaze, “Indeed,” She spoke quietly, “I do believe I will return to my seat, my Lord,” Alyssa spoke, snapping Thomas out of his concerned state, “I do not wish to be of any further distractions,”
“Of course,” Thomas spoke under his breath, his eyes falling from Alyssa’s as she accepted George’s offered arm. He studied the look that George gave Alyssa, unknown to her. Alyssa’s gaze stayed on Thomas as George led her back to her seat.
Alyssa’s eyes fell to her feet, not daring to meet her brother’s glance that she felt from across the large room, “Tense,” She heard George question.
“It is an important match,” She lied, not wanting George to know that Philip did not approve of him.
“That it is,” George spoke, “I have a large sum on Barnet,” He informed, “Barnet is bound to win by the second round, and that would be quite generous,” George laughed, “Everyone knows that Holland has become distracted. He has even failed to win a Diamond’s hand,” Alyssa’s lips parted, however she found herself back at her seat with Philip rising to his feet.
“Haddington,” Philip spoke, sending Alyssa a stern glance, “How is it that you found yourself first row,” He questioned, his tone irritated.
Alyssa found herself positioned between the two men as she slowly sunk down into her seat on the bench, “End me, Laura. I beg you,” Alyssa spoke under her breath as her friend handed her back her sketchbook and pencils.
“Miss Macey graciously invited me to watch the match,” George informed, making Alyssa’s shoulders round. Opening her sketchbook she hoped to escape their conversation.
“She has,” Philip questioned, “It seems as if my sister has forgotten these seats are not hers to give,”
***
Thomas watched as George and Philip argued across the room. He continued to wrap his hand, over and over as he was lost in his tempered thoughts. Seeing Philip throw his hand towards George in irritated defeat, Haddington took a seat next to Alyssa. Thomas’s brows furrowed as he tied off the end of the material that wrapped his knuckles. His brown gaze was fixed on the pair, watching George close space between them, glancing at the sketchbook that sat on Alyssa’s lap. A subtle smile sat on Alyssa’s lips as George complimented her work.
***
Laura turned her head from where she studied Alyssa and George. Turning to Timothee she rolled her eyes, “I do apologize,” Laura laughed, “If I could do something to help their situation I would,” However, Timothee did not respond, his eyes studying Thomas across the ring, “My Lord,” Laura toyed, trying to grab his attention. She watched as Timothee rose to his feet, “Timothee,” She spoke sternly, his name hushed.
“I will return shortly,” Timothee spoke, turning his head, “I would be a fool to not place half my earnings on Tom,” He admitted quietly. Bending at his knees he grew closer to Laura, “He seems to be on his last nerve with Alyssa and Haddington,”
“As I said, I apologize,” Laura spoke, however was interrupted.
“Tom is going to make me thousands,” Timothee spoke with a wide grin, “That hotheaded bloke is going to make me rich,”
***
As Timothee made his way back to the front row, Thomas had already entered the ring, “I do not doubt Thomas’s abilities,” Laura spoke to the poet, “However, if he loses you can kiss me and my dowry goodbye,”
“Is not that quite scandalous,” Timothee spoke quietly, “I would have no choice but to marry you to do so,” His hand made its way to Laura’s, making the Diamond’s skin flush, “Unlike Tom, I do believe I have a fighting chance,”
For once, Laura was lost for words. Turning her head away from Timothee, she heard him laugh. She focused back on Alyssa and George. Laura watched as George held one of Alyssa’s charcoal pencils, his large fingers at the end of the wooden stick, “By the way I hold my pencil, it allows me to stay loose,” She heard George mutter.
“Quite loose, Haddington,” Philip added under his breath. His eyes did not look towards the suitor but at Thomas in the ring. Philip shot Thomas a stern glance, head nodding in Alyssa and George’s direction.
Thomas brushed off Philip’s glance, rolling his shoulders and then his neck. He could no longer allow his aggression to distract him from the match that was moments away. Thomas looked up, focusing on his opponent, Nicholas Barnet. Hearing the bell ring drew Thomas to the center of the ring, meeting his opponent in the middle. The two boxers nodded, fists rising slowly.
Looking into the front row, Thomas wondered if Alyssa would fill another page of her sketchbook of him. However, his eyes found her sketchbook closed, the small binded book sat atop of her pillowing dress as George’s hands sat on the necklace that fell against her pale skin. Alyssa’s legs were turned, facing the suitor, fully engaged in conversation.
With another ring of the bell the match began. Thomas received a swift punch to his left eye, striking his nose. The crowd roared, most of their bets were placed on Barnet. Stumbling backwards, Thomas did not fall, his head now fully focused on winning not only the fight but Alyssa’s favor.
The crowd’s cheer drew Alyssa’s attention to the ring and to Thomas who struggled to keep his balance, “Thomas,” Alyssa spoke under her breath. Rising to her feet, she allowed her sketchbook and pencils to fall against the wooden floor.
Suddenly Thomas could have sworn that standing before him was no longer Barnet, but Haddington. Thomas’s rage fully blinded him. Planting his bare feet firmly on the dusty mat, he charged towards his opponent. Thomas landed a powerful uppercut to Barnet’s jaw, sending his opponent to the mat. Rushing him, Thomas knelt before him, his fists striking him repeatedly. The skin of his knuckles began to bust as he struck Barnet’s nose bridge over and over.
The bell rang, pulling Thomas out of his thoughts. Rising to his feet the crowd was silent besides a cheering Timothee, “He is a madman,” the poet called out, “I told you,” He turned to Laura, who covered her face with her fan out of embarrassment.
Thomas met Alyssa’s eyes as his chest rose and fell from his heavy breaths. He could not tell if she was terrified or impressed. To Alyssa’s disbelief, she could not tell either.
***
The last of the crowd finally filed out of the large room. However, the Macey household remained, all gathered around the ring, “Should have listened to me Macey,” Timothee spoke as he counted the large bills that sat in his hands, “I must say, I have Tommy to thank for that,” Timothee joked, giving his friend a swift pat on the back, “Or maybe Miss Macey and her new suitor,”
Alyssa watched as Thomas wrinkled his brows before a pained expression crossed his face, forgetting about his newly broken nose, “Lord Haddington has every right to court me,” Alyssa spoke, taking Thomas’s bloody rag from his hands. She dropped the rag into a bucket of water that sat by the boxer’s feet, “Is that not correct, brother,”
“Not quite,” Philip acknowledged, ignoring Timothee who continued to rave about his earnings.
Sophia stood next to her eldest son, fan waving trying to cool herself in the warm building, “What Philip is trying to say are that some are more qualified than others,” She studied Thomas as his eyes were fixed on Alyssa, “Safier choices,”
“Have you all forgotten that Thomas ended Barnet, first round,” Timothee spoke.
“And how much money that made you,” Laura questioned with an annoyed smile.
Timothee’s slender hand came down against the full satchel that sat across his chest, “If you insist to bring up my recent winnings,”
“What is your secret Holland,” Philip spoke, hoping to cut Timothee’s rambling short, “Shortest match London has seen in a long time. How did you do it,” He questioned.
“Whistledown is sure to write,” Alyssa added as she heard Thomas retrieve the damp rag. As his eyes fell off of her, she took the time to study him for just a moment. His broken nose caught her attention as she wondered how many times he had broken it in previous fights.
“Pure, blind rage,” Timothee spoke as the boxer was quiet. He watched as his friend pressed the cloth to his sensitive and broken skin, “Bet he thought Barnet was Haddington. Poor bloke,”
“Who, Barnet or Haddington,” Philip questioned with a laugh, “I believe both men have met Holland’s misfortune,”
“If not both,” Timothee spoke, meeting the Alyssa’s irritated gaze, “The other will soon enough,”
“I had but a lot on my mind,” Thomas finally spoke, his vision obscured by the bruise forming under his eye, puffing his skin, “I found myself distracted. In a bit of a haze,”
“Remind me to invite Haddington to more of your matches,” Timothee spoke with a sly grin.
“Chalamet, you will do no such thing,” Philip spoke, “I want Haddington no where near my sister,”
“I agree,” Thomas groaned as he applied pressure to the cold compact. His statement made Alyssa’s head turn, catching his serious gaze. She did not argue, allowing her gaze to fall to her feet, “I do not wish to see Haddington at any more of my matches, Miss Macey present or not,”
“If you fail to invite me to another match then maybe Haddington will not show,” Alyssa spoke, walking over to a nearby bench she retrieved her sketchbook and pencils.
“If I fail to extend my offer, I fail the hand of a Diamond,” Thomas spoke, “And I will not find myself losing to Haddington,” He watched as Alyssa’s movements froze. The large room was silent, only the echo of Thomas’s words replaying in everyone’s ears.
“I am not prize money,” Alyssa spoke under her breath, knowing that Philip would have words to add about her forward thinking thoughts.
“What is a dowry of a diamond but not prize money,” Timothee spoke, “Quite poetic, really,” His head turned in time to catch a glance from Laura.
“Father has collected quite the sum for your season,” Philip spoke as his hands found cuffs of his sleeves, straightening them, “A sum that I will not allow a down-and-out artist to get ahold of,” He rolled up the sleeves of his thick cotton shirt. The building’s air hung heavy as everyone seemed a little on edge with each other, “Not to mention he has nothing to give you in return,”
“Intellectual conversation,” Alyssa spoke, “If I have to listen to talk of sport for the rest of my life then you shall see just how short my life will become, brother,” She laughed through her nose, her voice irritated and nasaled.
“Forgive me for pursuing my passion,” Thomas interrupted the siblings bickering, “Which, Miss Macey, I believed you supported the very thought of,” He watched as Alyssa grew silent, her hold tightened around her sketchbook, “If you could excuse me,” Thomas rose to his feet as he threw the bloodied rag into the bucket of water. The contents splashed over the edge, the red catching Alyssa’s gaze. Thomas nodded towards Sophia, “Lady Macey, I do apologize,” He spoke, “I do hope that you enjoyed the match,”
The group watched as Thomas made his way through one of the nearest back rooms, closing the heavy door behind him. The party inside the large room was silent until a crash was heard from where Thomas resided. The noise of the metal bucket struck against the hard floor as Alyssa retracted into her thoughts, guilt flooding through her.
“I do believe an apology is in order,” Sophia spoke, walking to her daughter’s side, “You crossed the line,”
“I spoke my mind,” Alyssa replied, “Mama, you surely do not expect me to,” Her words fell short as Sophia’s gaze was persistent and severe, “Would you accompany me,”
“If I do so, I believe you would only apologize for my sake,” Sophia declared, “Lord Holland has been nothing but good to you, respectful,”
“Yes mama,” Alyssa sighed, her eyes left her mother’s and found Laura and Timothee. The two had been making quiet conversation, smiles sitting on both of their perspiring faces, “I shall hurry, only so we can be relieved of this heat,” Alyssa spoke, making her mother smile. Handing over her supplies, Sophia watched as her daughter made her way to the closed door.
***
“I must thank Alyssa for my winnings,” Timothee spoke, “She is making Tom into a madman. Tell her to keep up this stubbornness for a few more matches,”
Laura’s gloved hand nudged Timothee’s arm slightly, making the poet almost freeze at their contact, “I am sick of her stubbornness,” Laura groaned, “She should spare the dramatics and marry Thomas,”
“Is this all talk,” Timothee questioned, “Yet, I do not see you settling,” He shifted on the balls of his feet, now facing Laura. Timothee’s gaze fell from Alyssa at the door and to Laura’s imploring gaze.
“My willingness has not seemed to be matched, my Lord,” Laura spoke, “I have found myself tired of this game,”
“I will keep that in mind, Miss Knightley,” Timothee played along.
***
Alyssa pushed open the old, wooden door, the hinges creaked announcing her presence to Thomas, “My Lord,” She caught a glance from Thomas. His back faced her, his sweating skin almost glowing in the low lit room, “I do apologize,” She began to step away, back towards the room’s exit. In a way she was attempting to escape her feelings for him, not wanting to fall for his looks as he stood before her, exposed.
“For your words? Or my indecency,” Thomas questioned as he studied the bloody water that pooled on the unfinished room’s stone floor.
Alyssa’s eyes stayed fixed on the boxer as he studied the floor. His knuckles were bruised as his body attempted to heal itself, “If I have dishonored you, it was not my intention,” Alyssa spoke, “I assure you,”
“Saying I am not capable of intellectual conversation,” Thomas laughed as he would not meet the diamond’s brown gaze. He felt his chest tighten as he thought of how she and George spoke during his match. Thomas clenched his fists, damaging the scabs that began to form on his knuckles, “He talks to many women, Alyssa, I can assure you that,”
“Lord Haddington? Are you speaking of George,” Alyssa almost laughed, “I do not know how far you and my brother plan on taking this agreement the two of you have made,” Her statement attracted Thomas’s attention, his eyes finally falling on her, “Lord Chalamet told Laura, and she I,” Alyssa informed, “I do not wish to make a fool of you my Lord, but I certainly cannot allow to be the fool myself,”
“Our discussion,” Thomas spoke, stepping closer to Alyssa, “What your brother and I had agreed on, has no correlation with my feelings for you,” He admitted, “Those feelings will not sway when I see you with Haddington, they will not go away, will not move on to the next debutant,” Thomas’s hands found their way to Alyssa’s gloved arms, trailing up the long silk fabric, “I do not wish for you to believe my feelings stem from an agreement with Macey,” Thomas watched as Alyssa’s gaze dropped to his chest before darting around his skin. Anywhere Alyssa’s eyes settled felt like sin, “My anger, seeing you with Haddington, will not cease. He is not a good man and I do not wish to see you hurt by his ways,” Thomas studied Alyssa as her gaze continued to wander, “Miss Macey,” He spoke, bringing his hand from her arm to under her chin. Thomas raised her gaze, feeling her body stiffen in his hold, “I wish for your happiness, truly. I wish nothing more than for you to pursue your passions as have I, and if that is with Haddington, then so be it,” Alyssa’s gaze was warm, contrasting her body’s cold exterior, “However, if Haddington does hurt you. If you finally find out the truth that he continues to somehow hide, I cannot assure that I will not take matters into my own hands,”
“Darling,” Sophia called from where she stood near the slightly opened door, making the two part ways.
Somehow, Alyssa found herself feeling cold without Thomas’s touch, the building still sweltering as it was before, “Yes, mama. Thomas must allow me to have the last word,” Alyssa spoke, her eyes never leaving the boxer, who now stood in the middle of the room.
Thomas slipped the thin fabric of his shirt over his skin, “I would not have it any other way, Miss Macey. Until next week’s ball,” He spoke, extending his reach. Thomas’s hand held Alyssa’s, the space between them was just enough to let him kiss her gloved knuckles. Alyssa’s eyes studied Thomas’s bloody skin. She found herself silent as she shook the thought of kissing his bruised skin out of her mind.
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Two of Diamonds: Ch. VI
Laura rubbed her temples as she studied the lunch that sat on a decorative, porcelain plate, “Quite a night out,” Philip questioned Laura as Alyssa had yet to meet her brother’s eyes all morning.
“Quite,” Laura smiled past her pounding headache, “It was nice to see Nicole again. Not to mention Timothee and Thomas,” She watched as Alyssa shot her a glance.
Sophia visuably perked up in her chair. Straightening her posture, she looked towards Alyssa, “Speaking of,” Sophia spoke, meeting Alyssa’s eyes.
“Mama,” Alyssa spoke, “Please,”
“I have been denying men at the door all morning, sister,” Philip spoke, “And to which, no man that showed is worth your hand,”
“Did you deny Lord Haddington,” Alyssa questioned, irritated. She finally met her brother's eyes as she waited for his response.
“Haddington had not showed,” Philip told her, “I did not even get the chance. He has no respect. If he truly wished to court you, to have your hand, he would have requested to see you, sent you flowers,”
“What do you have against him, surely you must have reason,” Alyssa spoke, stabbing some food with a small fork, “Or has your ego gotten in the way. Maybe you have forgotten that you are not the one to marry Lord Haddington, but I, brother,”
“You will not be marrying him,” Philip added, “But who I see fit,” Taking a sip from the china’s matching cups, he looked towards Sophia, “And who I see fit, is Holland,”
“As I was trying to speak of before,” Sophia interrupted, “I have invited Thomas over for dinner,” She announced, “And Timothee,” Sophia smiled towards Laura. She watched as Laura nodded before smiling slightly.
“Absolutely not,” Alyssa spoke, recalling the previous night she had spent with the two suitors, “Mama, you did not even consult me,”
“There is no consulting, no discussion,” Philip informed Alyssa as he placed a forkful of food into his mouth, “Since father is still so busy I am taking responsibility,”
“What makes you more fit than Mama,” Alyssa questioned, “Laura’s father is not here to tell her what to do, and neither ours,”
“Oh do not bring me into this,” Laura laughed, “I am just absolutely grateful to be here,” She smiled, knowing that the only reason her father set her to London was because he could not longer stand her flirting with the men in Cambridge, “Grateful and ready to tie the knot,”
“The knot of a noose,” Alyssa spoke, watching her mother shoot her a cross glance. Taking a deep breath, she felt defeated, “If you could excuse me, I would like to attend to my studies before Lord Holland arrives,” Watching her mother and brother nod, Alyssa rose to her feet. She wished to engross herself in her work as much longer as she could. Looking towards Laura, she watched as she too excused herself.
***
Timothee and Thomas stood at the front door of the Macey’s household. Turning his head, Thomas studied Timothee. The poet wore a tight black vest over his flowing white shirt, a burgundy ascot sat tucked between the fabrics, “Please do not ruin my chances with Miss Macey,”
“I,” Timothee questioned with a laugh, “If anyone is to ruin your chances with Alyssa, it is yourself, my friend,” He brought his palm down against Thomas’s shoulder, in his other hand sat a bouquet of flowers.
Thomas’s brow furrowed, however before he could speak, the front door opened.
***
Philip was the first to greet the two suitors as they entered the dining room, “Are those both for me,” He joked as bouquets sat in both suitor’s grasp.
“Naturally,” Timothee spoke. His slender fingers pulled out a single flower from the arrangement, handing it to Philip.
“Looks lovely with your eyes mate,” Thomas added with a grin, “It is good to see you,” He pulled Philip into a tight and quick hug. Looking over Philip’s shoulder, he caught Alyssa’s eyes, “How is Manchester,”
“Excellent, thanks to you, my friend,” Philip replied, taking a step back from the two men, “Your father certainly makes sure I do not become bored,” Philip laughed, thinking about how little downtime he has had. He also thought about how Beatrice refused to join him in his visit to London, she had been cross with him since taking the job.
“Sounds about right,” Thomas somewhat laughed, “How is my father, it has been awhile since I have seen him,”
Philip looked back towards his family for a moment, knowing how Thomas felt. William Macey was well known by the household to almost never be home. His mind was always focused on his business and never spending time with his family. Philip would like to think that this was his father’s way of showing his support, making sure they would be well off and offering a large dorwy for Alyssa’s season. However, he wondered if that was wishful thinking.
What worried him more was that he soon would fall into his father’s footsteps under Holland and Co., “Your father,” Philip spoke, shaking himself out of his thoughts, “I have not seen him in some time, however last time we spoke he sounded in good spirits and good health,”
Thomas nodded, “That is good to hear,” His eyes fell back towards Alyssa as Timothee met Laura’s gaze, “We appreciate the invitation, Lady Macey,”
Timothee nodded as he felt Thomas elbow him slightly, “Indeed,”
Sophia smiled from her spot at the table as Alyssa stood on her right, “Philip assured me that the two of you would accept. I assumed he would want to catch up from his time away in Manchester,” Sophia took a sip of tea, “A more civilized meeting than that of your gentlemen’s club,” She watched Timothee begin to laugh as the two men shot him a glance, “A mother does not wish to know what goes on behind those walls,”
“Mama,” Alyssa almost whispered. She and Laura had been standing in the room silently since the suitors' arrival, and frankly she was tired of only catching Thomas’s glances.
“Yes, darling please do greet Thomas,” Sophia added, “Do not stand here like strangers,” She waved her hand, fighting back a smile, “You as well Laura,”
“Of course,” Laura smiled, witt laced her words, “My Lords,” She walked past Alyssa, the fabric of her red gown bumping into Alyssa’s olive green satin. Alyssa stumbled a bit, the click of her flats bounced off the large rooms walls. Laura made her way in front of Timothee, standing closely next to Philip. The tall brother looked down upon her, and Laura would not be surprised if it was in more ways than one, “Timothee,” Laura spoke, her voice quieter, as if saying his first name was a secret that the two shared.
“Laura,” A smile crossed Timothee’s lips as he bent at the waist, closing some space between them. A bouquet of primroses and myrtles sat in his right hand, symbols of consistency and love, “For you, Miss Knightley,” He spoke, eyes flashing to Philip, almost baiting a response from the brother.
“Alyssa,” Philip spoke as his eyes left the poet. He watched as Alyssa slowly made her way over to the group, Philip also noticing Thomas’s gaze. Thomas watched as Alyssa approached him, the hold on his bouquet tightening, the flowers almost wilting, “Thomas, to reflect on our previous discussion, before my departure,”
Thomas cleared his throat, “Yes, yes,” He stuttered, “I do apologize, it seems my head was not in the fight correctly,” Thomas told Philip. Little to Alyssa’s knowledge, Thomas was not speaking of a fight in the ring but that of her hand, “May we speak of the matter a bit later in your father’s study,” He questioned, “For now, I would like to focus my visit towards Miss Macey,”
Alyssa stiffened at his words, not daring to shoot her mother a glance. She already could picture her mother’s devilish grin that stretched across her thin, rouged lips, “You are too kind my Lord,” Alyssa spoke, “Truly,” She added with a bit of irritation, but a contrasting smile. She watched Thomas’s hand as he handed her the bouquet that he had brought her. It was larger than Timothee’s, almost as if he was trying to make up for lost time. Iris filled the bundle that was tied with a green satin bow, surrounding the bulk of the bouquet were myrtles. Love-in-a-mist accented the message he attempted to send her: love and puzzlement, “They are beautiful,” Alyssa spoke as she watched Timothee and Laura laugh among themselves.
“How about we prepare for our meal,” Philip spoke as he watched his sister stand silently in front of Thomas, “Take your seats and I will let the house keepers know we are ready,”
“Of course, brother,” Alyssa agreed, her words falling from her lips as soon as her brother’s left his, “I am quite hungry,”
***
Alyssa studied the bouquet that sat on her left, her eyes not dare meeting Philip’s as he sat across from Thomas, who was on her right, “I do apologize,” Alyssa spoke quietly.
“Apologize,” Thomas questioned around the rim of his glass. He was unsure if she was speaking her him, her claim almost too quiet to hear, “Why must you apologize,”
“My brother,” Alyssa turned her head, growing closer to Thomas. A smile crossed her lips as she watched Philip visibly stiffen at their closeness. Suddenly, an idea blossomed in her head, she was to make Philip regret his decision, “He certainly will not be letting us out of his sight,” She spoke, her claim true. Alyssa listened to Thomas laugh quietly, “I hope that we can meet again as we did last night,” Reaching out, she placed her hand on the starch white table cloth.
Thomas turned his head, a newly placed cigarette sat between his lips. He watched as Alyssa’s pinkie brushed against his own. Retracting his hand from the table’s surface, he searched his blazer’s pocket for a light. He watched as Alyssa withdrew her reach, however he did not know that she returned with a small box of matches in her grasp.
“Need a light,” Alyssa questioned, “My Lord,” Lighting the short match, Alyssa moved closer in her chair, as did Thomas. Her eyes followed the dancing flame as it reflected in the boxer’s dark eyes. Meeting his gaze, she realized that she was playing a dangerous game. Thomas’s gaze felt warmer than the flame that sat between her fingers. Afraid that she may melt, Alyssa shook out the flame and broke away from Thomas’s glance.
“Thomas,” Philip cleared his throat as he watched the two separate, “Your fight with Barnet,” He stated, trying to strike conversation, “Bound to be one of your biggest matches,”
“Indeed,” Thomas spoke as he let smoke pass through his thin lips. He felt Alyssa’s eyes on his neck, making him sit up straight in the ornate wooden chair, “I would appreciate the support, Macey,” He smiled, “It has been ages since you could attend a match,”
“Just like old times, my friend,” Philip assured, raising the glass that sat in his hand slightly, “I may get nostalgic, bringing my sister to another one of your matches,”
“I beg your pardon,” Alyssa cut in.
“A wonderful offer, Thomas,” Sophia spoke, sending her daughter a stern glance, “Catching up for lost time might do them some good,”
“Of course, Lady Macey,” Thomas spoke, “The invitation is for you and Miss Knightley as well,” The boxer watched as Sophia smiled, however, his eyes fell on Timothee and Laura who were busy holding their own conversation at the end of the long table, “Am I not right, Timothee,” Thomas called out, watching his friend drop his fork, the noise of the metal hitting the porcelain plate rang through the room.
“Depends on the topic of conversation, mate,” Timothee spoke truthfully, “I can count several occasions where you were wrong,” His words made Laura laugh as she ate her meal silently.
“Yes, I am sure your head is only filled with bright ideas,” Alyssa spoke before she met her mother’s eyes, “My Lord,” She added before taking a bite of food. She watched as Timothee laughed, Sophia not knowing the relationship Alyssa and Timothee had made in such little time.
“The brightest,” Timothee smiled, raising his glass towards Alyssa with a wink.
Noticing their interaction, Philip placed his hands on the old, sturdy wooden dining table, “Holland,” He addressed, “I believe now is a better time than any to speak in the study,”
“Of course,” Thomas spoke, placing his cigarette in a small tray that sat between him and Alyssa, “Miss Macey,” He directed his gaze to his right as he extended his hand, “If you could excuse me,”
“Of course, my Lord,” Alyssa nodded, placing her finger tips against Thomas’s palm. She watched as his large hand closed around her fingers, bringing her knuckles against his lips.
“You will accept my invitation and accompany your brother to my upcoming match,” Thomas questioned, barely removing his lips from Alyssa’s skin as his eyes studied her.
“Of course, my Lord,” Alyssa almost stuttered, clearing her throat she spoke again, “Do not let my brother keep you occupied for too long,”
“Your brother is not the reason why I visited,” Thomas spoke, “Do not fret, Miss Macey,”
***
Philip closed the door behind himself as he entered the study, “The two of you have grown closer,” Philip began.
“Is that not what you wanted,” Thomas spoke, “What we discussed,” He studied William Macey’s study.
“If you dare try anything with my sister,” Philip spoke, “Cause a scandal-“ He rambled, picturing how close Alyssa had gotten to Thomas while lighting his cigarette.
Thomas turned his head, eyes now studying Philip, “Do you not trust me, Macey,” He questioned with a small laugh.
“I am not sure, truly,” Philip returned the smile, “We part in agreement only for me to come back and find an artist trying to court my sister,” Philip spoke, leaning against the large, sturdy wooden door, “A tosser of an artist at that,”
Thomas’s brows furrowed in equal confusion and seriousness, “George,” He questioned, “Trust me, I do not trust the bloke, however-”
“Very few men do these days,” Philip spoke, “He has shagged countless wives and you have let him court my sister,”
“If I knew,” Thomas spat as he felt his fingers curl around the wooden desk he found himself leaning against. His whitening knuckles held his gaze, “I will take care of him,”
“And do what,” Philip questioned, “Hell, if you get yourself killed or arrested I would have to start over. If not watch George take Alyssa’s hand in your absence,” He watched as his friend’s anger stewed before him, “Calm yourself Holland, green is not your color,” Pulling out a cigarette, Philip placed it between his lips, “All I ask is that we put this set back behind us. Alyssa is a diamond, and God help us she is seen as anything but by how long it has taken her to be properly courted,”
“Of course,” Thomas spoke still blinded by his anger towards George, “It is but in the past,” He lied. Thomas was determined to catch George in the act.
“Now, please, cool off before you return to the parlor,” Philip spoke, watching Thomas’s nostril flare, “It is assuring that you can care for her when I am absent. However, I am afraid your temper is going to be your downfall,” Philip stated truthfully with a slight smile.
***
Conversation bubbled from the far end of the table but never made its way over to Alyssa, only circulating between Laura, Timothee and Sophia. Unable to take much more of it, Alyssa had excused herself before the group made their way into the parlor after dinner. She had passed by the large door of her father’s study on the way to her room, only hearing mumbled voices through the thick wood.
Fighting off her curiosity, she made her way to her room, gathering art supplies to occupy her mind while she waited in the parlor. She knew that the parlor would be filled with conversation while Timothee continued to court Laura. Sophia would send her glances of approval as Alyssa’s mind battled with her heart on how she felt about Thomas Holland.
Exiting her room, she walked quickly down the large staircase, wondering why she was so desperate to return to Thomas’s side. Opening her sketchbook, her fingers flipped through the pages until she found the spread that held her figure studies of Thomas’s fight. She studied them as she walked, picking out things that she would change if she ever had the chance to draw him again. However, her mind wandered past the academics of the gestures and to Thomas’s athletic form. Picking up her pace, Alyssa almost attempted to outrun her thoughts. Suddenly, Alyssa knocked into a study figure, allowing the sketchbook to fall from her grasp, along with the handful of pencils she had grabbed, “Brother, I swear-“
“Not quite,” The voice spoke as Alyssa’s eyes studied them. Thomas bent at his knees, picking up the sketchbook that landed against the tiled floor. The delicate paper pressed against the surface, allowing the spread to remain open, “I do apologize,”
“I was in a rush,” Alyssa said, “No need to apologize,” She spoke while watching Thomas study the pages of her sketchbook. Embarrassed, she reached out, setting her fingertips on the surface, “Thank you, my Lord,”
“I may not know a lot about the arts,” Thomas spoke quietly, “However, I know that you are quite talented,” He complimented, meeting Alyssa’s eyes. Thomas watched as her rouged cheeks grew redder as she was unable to hold his gaze, “I find myself wishing to understand it more,”
“The arts,” Alyssa questioned with a small laugh, “You,” Her claim almost sounded like an insult, although she did not mean it.
“If you hold interest in the arts then I shall learn,” Thomas spoke, “If that is what needs to be done,”
“I do not wish for you to fill your head with a subject that you may never use,” Alyssa spoke, “I am sure that it is filled with all sorts of sport,”
Thomas took a deep breath, attempting to once again calm his temper, “I cannot let you be courted by Haddington,” He admitted, “So whatever needs to be done-“
“It is not you who has the choice,” Alyssa interrupted, “I find myself wanting to be with a man who appreciates the arts and does not just wish to learn for the sake of conversation,” She spoke loudly, however her words fell short as she felt Thomas grab her wrist.
Pulling her closer, Thomas attempted to speak lowly and to not give into his temper, “Haddington is bad news, Alyssa,” He spoke her name, allowing her to know that there was some seriousness to their conversation, “This is not just between Haddington and your brother, or even I. This is larger than you having an academic conversation- Your brother and I had discussed this before and more about Haddington has come to light-
“Before,” Alyssa laughed, “How many times has my brother discussed me behind my back with you,” Her gaze grew serious, her brown eyes never falling from Thomas’s. Closing more space between them, Alyssa was not backing down, waiting for an answer. Alyssa heard the pages of her sketchbook close harshly as it now made its way, forcefully, into her hand.
As much as Thomas wished to be upfront with Alyssa, he knew that if Alyssa ever found out their arrangement she would resent him, “Make heist Miss Macey,” Thomas spoke, “We should not be alone without chaperone,” He spoke as he found his eyes falling to Alyssa’s lips. Releasing her from his hold, he bowed at her slightly. Turning, he made his way down the long hallway. When Thomas was out of Alyssa’s sight, she studied the pencils that sat at her feet.
***
“There you are,” Sophia spoke, “I had almost sent Lucretia looking for you,” She sat in the parlor’s largest chair as Laura and Timothee occupied the chaise lounge.
“That would not have been necessary Mama, you see I was-” Alyssa spoke, her eyes meeting Thomas’s as he stood before the roaring fireplace. A cigarette sat between his pressed lips as his eyes narrowed, wondering if Alyssa was about to let her mother know that she and Thomas had been alone together. His gaze made Alyssa pause, her grip tightening around the pencils that sat in her hand, “I found myself occupied in my studies, I do apologize, my Lord,” Alyssa bowed, lying through her teeth. She caught a small smile form on Thomas’s lips, “I did not wish to keep you waiting,” Her eyes left Thomas and studied the room, “Where is Philip,”
Sophia let out a heavy sigh through her nostrils. A tea cup sat in her hand, her eyes studying the remaining drink, “Your brother,” Sophia stated, “Had to step out for business. He is headed over to London’s branch of Holland and Co.,”
Alyssa’s eyes fell onto Thomas, who had been studying her since she entered the room, “Of course,” Without Philip, she felt a sense of relief. Sophia was nowhere near as strict when it came to courting, allowing Alyssa to, somewhat, relax. Heading over to Laura and Timothee, she gave them a smile of relief, “I apologize, I feel as if I had not spoken to you both all dinner,” She watched as Timothee smiled, his eyes fixed on Laura.
“It is quite alright, Miss Macey,” Timothee said, the formality was almost a game for him, “Thomas was only waiting for you to join us again,” He admitted, “We must part ways, for now, I am afraid,”
Alyssa watched as Timothee said his farewell to Laura before rising to his feet. Giving Alyssa a nod, he walked past her, “Surely I had not been gone for too long,” Alyssa found herself wishing that Thomas did not have to leave.
Thomas put out his cigarette on the ashtray that sat on a side table next to Sophia’s chair. Approaching Alyssa, he once again took the sketchbook from her hand, setting it down on the chaise lounge, “I am afraid that I have much to do for tomorrow’s match Miss Macey,” Thomas spoke, “Fill my head with sport if you will,” He referenced Alyssa’s claim, watching her gaze drop in annoyance, yet also embarrassment, “I do not wish to part ways so soon, however I will be seeing you tomorrow,” He stated, not allowing her to deny him.
“That you will, my Lord,” Alyssa spoke, catching her mother’s eyes over Thomas’s shoulder, Alyssa gave him a forced smile, “Am I to expect another front row match,” She questioned.
“If you are bringing your sketchbook,” Thomas questioned, watching Alyssa nod, “Then of course,” He smiled. Taking ahold of her hand, he brought her knuckles to his lips, “I shall see you soon- all of you,” He corrected, “Miss Knightley,” Thomas addressed with a turn of his head, catching Laura’s smile.
“I for one, cannot wait my Lord,” Laura spoke from her seat on the lounge.
***
“He is- he is so arrogant,” Alyssa complained as Laura brushed her hair in front of her room’s mirror, “He and Philip have been talking behind my back- when I caught Thomas outside the study-”
“The two of you were alone,” Laura questioned, setting down the thick boars hair brush, she turned to her friend, “Why have you waited to tell me,”
“Mama cannot know,” Alyssa spoke, “You of all people should be aware of that,” Pacing in her white nightgown, she continued, “He grabbed my arm and continued to tell me he knew what was best for me! Can you believe him-”
“Enough about me, Laura, how did your night of courting go,” Laura mocked her rambling friend, “Oh, wonderful! Timothee and I are very serious, I do believe,” Turning back towards the mirror, she continued to brush her brown hair.
“I am sorry,” Alyssa spoke, “You are right, I am just- I am in a mood,” She admitted, “Thomas is just an arrogant brute and I would not be caught dead at his match in the morning,” She began again, “I just do not understand- if Philip is so captivated by Thomas he should have married him himself,”
“Timothee was right,” Laura laughed, allowing their shared secret to slip slightly. Realizing this, she continued to brush her hair, not meeting Alyssa’s gaze through the mirror.
“Right? What about,” Alyssa questioned, knowing that her friend was hiding something from her, “Laura,” She pushed.
“It is nothing of importance,” Laura spoke, “Just some courting drama, is all,” She brushed off her claim into less serious light.
“Courting drama,” Alyssa questioned, “It is but my future, not some drama,” She informed, “Am I not correct,”
Laura sighed. She truly did wish for her friend’s happiness, she just did not wish for Alyssa to know that she was holding this information from her for a while now, “Timothee had once mentioned that Philip and Thomas had an agreement,” Laura did not dare meet Alyssa’s eyes.
“What kind of agreement,” Alyssa pressed.
“For your hand,” Laura spoke, “Once you were of season. Philip had brought you to those matches in hopes of Thomas gaining your favor, is all,”
Alyssa was silent, “I am glad you and Timothee are quite serious,” She spoke, her voice was low, a few words that left her lips began to break. However, she retired to her room before Laura could notice.
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Two of Diamonds: Ch. V
Thomas sat at his family’s piano, fingers placed lightly on the ivory keys. All he could think about was George’s advancements. Feeling his temper getting the best of him, his fingers crashed against the keys, filling the room with an unpleasant noise. Abruptly, he stood. Air left his flaring nostrils as he walked towards his jacket that rested on a nearby chair. Taking it, he made his way to the ring.
Thomas’s wrapped knuckles fell against the punching bag with force, sending the heavy bag backwards. The bag swung as his chest heaved, “I should be glad I know where to find you when you disappear,” Thomas heard Timothee speak, the poet’s pointed shoes echoed through the smaller training room, “Whistledown really did a number on you this morning,” he laughed, “Care to hear,”
“No, but I know you love to hear yourself speak,” Thomas spoke angrily as he struck the bag once more but in his mind George was the target.
“You know me way too well, my friend,” Timothee smiled as his hand found a lone, wooden chair. Pulling it just far enough away from the swinging bag, he still sat close to his friend. The small sheet sat in his grasp as he dramatically waved it towards his irritated friend. Clearing his voice, he spoke, “Dear reader, today I have news that not even I would have expected. It seems as if Thomas Holland has lost his biggest fight yet: The hand of a diamond. Has the boxer been bested? Or has he decided to back down, deeming Alyssa Macey no longer worth that of London’s shining sport star? That is, if the diamond does not shine in the eyes of Holland, does she really shine at all,” Timothee spoke, “You blew it mate,” His lips were pursed as he watched Thomas strike the bag out of anger.
Not only was he crossed at George stealing Alyssa away, he now worried that he had stripped Alyssa of her title. Looking down at his hands, blood began to stain the pure white fabric wraps, “Shit,” Thomas spoke under his breath. He thought that allowing Alyssa to pursue her studies, despite Philip’s wishes, was the best choice for Alyssa. However, now he felt multiple emotions fighting in his head and heart.
“Also,” Timothee spoke, “You were in such a rush,” Thomas watched as Timothee retrieved a small note from his jacket’s pocket, “You missed a letter from Philip,” He watched with a smile as his, normally collected, counterpart fumbled for the small envelope, “As much as I love to see you in this much distress,” Timothee spoke, taking a cigarette out from a pocket in his jacket’s lining, “I beg you to pursue Alyssa,”
Timothee’s words collected in the back of Thomas’s mind as he read Philip’s letter, “Philip is due back in London tonight,” Thomas breathed out, “If he reads the scandal sheet,”
“Then we must catch him before he has the chance,” Timothee spoke, fanning out a lit match, “No doubt he will make a stop to the art house tonight,”
“Right,” Thomas muttered, allowing the letter to drop near his feet. He wondered how Philip would react finding out that another suitor had found Alyssa’s favor, especially one of an artist with nothing to his name. Philip wanted security for his sister when he left London. In doing so, he asked Thomas to pursue his sister during her season, “I will just talk to him before he reads Whistledown,” Thomas repeated, shaking himself out of his thoughts, “How about you be my sparring partner,” He asked Timothee with a sly smile, knowing that his friend found some amusement in his misfortune.
***
“We cannot afford another scandal sheet as that one,” Sophia spoke, following her daughter down the main staircase. She knew that Alyssa needed an outlet, but she felt as if the night could end horribly, “Just,” Sophia paused taking a deep breath, she smiled, “please assure me that you will cause no scene,”
“Do I ever,” Alyssa questioned. She and Laura wore their most casual visiting gowns, “And if there is anyone to be crossed at, it is Thomas,” She added as she found herself at the house’s open door.
Nicole’s family’s carriage sat outside of the large home. The carriage was not as large as the Macey’s but still well off. Nicole’s father was a carpenter who worked under Alyssa’s father, who was an architect. The two girls had met through their fathers. The three girls were inseparable until the Knightley’s left London about two years ago, “Like old times,” Nicole spoke as the two girls entered the carriage.
“Not quite,” Alyssa spoke, “I had to promise Mama, no scandals,” She almost joked. However she recalled trouble they had gotten into in the past.
“Sophia does not trust me,” Nicole spoke. Acting as if she was hurt by Alyssa’s words, she placed a hand over her heart. This made the three laugh as they headed to the art house.
***
As soon as the three stepped foot in the door, they were met with drinks in hand, “Promise me that you will unwind,” Laura spoke to Alyssa over the roaring voices of the large, ornate house. The interior was lined with decorative wood and red walls as countless bodies hung off of each other.
“I believe we both need to unwind,” Alyssa agreed with a heavy sigh. Her eyes traveled around the large house’s oil lamp lit interior. Everyone was set in a red tinted hue, lips on lips, making Alyssa almost shiver. She and Laura must not unwind too loosely, afraid her visiting friend would cause a schandel under her family’s watch, “However, not too much,” She added aloud, making Nicole laugh.
“I agree,” Nicole spoke, a cigarette sat between her finger that did not hold a glass, “Now let us find a seat by the models,” she gestured.
The two friends felt equally out of place as they did at home. Neither of them had to put on the act of being the season’s incomparable, the Two of Diamonds. Their hair was half up, yet still curled. Their drawing supplies sat in their gloved hands as they took a seat on the wooden drawing horses that surrounded the nude women.
Placing their sketchbooks against the easels, they opened the small box that housed their supplies for the night. Laura took out a few pencils, while Alyssa’s preferred medium was charcoal. Alyssa cursed in her head, realizing she was unable to take out the messy medium with her olive green gloves, “Unwind,” Nicole spoke next to her, “It seems as if we are out of place,” She noted. Looking around the room, no one wore gloves. Everyone’s hands touched each other freely, skin on skin.
Laura removed her gloves quicker than Alyssa, but both did so with a nervous sigh. The friends would be lying if they did not say they were both worried about scandal, “No one will know,” Alyssa reminded herself under her breath as she folded her gloves before placing them in her small purse. The two picked up their supplies and began sketching.
***
“He must be here,” Thomas spoke urgently, his chest heaved as he rounded another corner of the art house.
Timothee rushed behind him at his tail, “We could have possibly missed him,” Timothee questioned, “Come on Tom,” His voice was annoyed as he watched his friend search the first few rooms, “Mate-” his voice was cut short as Thomas stopped in his tracks.
The two suitors stood in the large doorway as they studied the scene before them. Alyssa and Laura could be found, accompanied by an unknown caparone, laughing in the middle of the crowded room. Around them, bodies collide as couples and strangers interlocked lips, bodies intertwining and trading, finding new partners.
“I come here to clear her name,” Thomas stated through his teeth as he watched Alyssa sip on the glass in her hand, spilling some of its content, “I do not find her brother, but I find her about to cause a scandal,”
“They are but having a bit of fun, Tom,” Timothee laughed. His eyes focused on Laura, gaze tracing her exposed arms, “However, it would not hurt to keep an eye on them. What do you say, mate,” Elbowing his friend, Timothee made his way over to Laura.
Laura turned her head as she watched someone weave their way into her view. She felt her brows furrow as she realized it was Timothee. Panic set in between the two girls as Laura began to speak, “Come to recite some poetry,” She asked around the rim of her glass.
“What are two diamonds doing in a scandalous place such as this,” Timothee asked, “Alyssa, if Philip were to find out-“ he teased. His words fell short as a smile crossed his lips, “You do not know,” Timothee questioned, watching Alyssa tilt her tipsy head, “Your brother has come home to visit. To see his prim and proper little diamond,” Timothee set a hand upon Alyssa’s head as his eyes studied Laura, “I expect her to have business here, but you,” he asked. His eyes found Laura’s light pencil sketches, making him move closer to fully make out what sat on the page, “You did not tell me you draw,”
Laura could feel Timothee’s breath on her skin as his hand rested on the wooden horse, “You did not ask,” A drunken smile crossed her lips as she looked over her shoulder. Timothee was but inches away, “All you have done was speak highly of yourself, my Lord,”
Alyssa and Nicole watched as the two stood too close for comfort, but before Alyssa could say anything she spotted Thomas.
Thomas made his way through the drunken mass of strangers that separated him from the rest of the group. He watched as Alyssa visuably stiffened in her seat, eyes falling to the easel before her, “Timothee,” He spoke as he stood in between the girls and the models.
“All but a bit of fun, Tom,” Timothee spoke as he continued to study Laura’s work, “You are all work and no play,”
“Come on Thomas,” Nicole spoke around a cigarette that sat between her lips. She passed Alyssa a small tin before lighting the paper.
Alyssa took one of the tightly rolled cigarettes before passing the tin to Laura. Bringing a lit match to the end of her cigarette, she felt her eyes cross. Inhaling, she could not help but cough lightly. She was truly trying to unwind.
“Miss Macey,” Thomas spoke, attracting Alyssa’s gaze, “If anyone were to see-“ His words fell short as he heard Timothee cough ‘bloak’. Listening to Laura snicker, she handed Thomas the small tin. Turning it over in his large hands, he studied the metal surface before opening it. He was unable to identify the hand rolled product. Looking towards Nicole, he handed her back her cigarettes, watching her smile. Stepping towards Alyssa, he reached out, taking the cigarette from between her lips.
“My Lord,” Alyssa muttered. Her heart raced as she recalled how close Thomas’s reach was. She watched as he studied the cigarette before he brought it to his own lips. Alyssa’s hand found its way to her chest, checking her heartbeat. She could have swore her heart stopped, thinking about his lips sitting against the same surface that hers shared moments before.
“These are not my father’s, nor is the tobacco,” Thomas spoke, dropping the cigarette, putting it out with his shoe.
“Precisely,” Nicole laughed, “I had them rolled before I made the trip back here,” she informed, “No one does tobacco like Sweden. I do apologize, Lord Holland. Do not take it to heart,”
“You have the good stuff,” Timothee smiled, turning away from Laura for a moment, “May I,” He asked, hand outreached. He watched as Thomas shot him a glance, “Do not take it to heart,” he mocked. Laura watched as Timothee’s fingers wrapped around a single cigarette that Alyssa passed him. His thin fingers brought it to his, equally thin, lips.
Rolling his eyes at his friend, Thomas watched as Timothee inched closer to Laura. The poet began to speak about God knows what, “Miss Macey,” Thomas addressed her once again, “We had come to find Philip,” He cleared his throat as he met Alyssa’s warm, brown gaze, “I had come to speak to him about the recent Whistledown,”
“Ah,” Alyssa spoke, “Yes, for I am nothing in the eyes of London’s best boxer,” She spoke tipsily, making Nicole laugh around her drink, “If you could excuse me, my Lord, I came here to unwind with my friends,” Alyssa told him as she left Thomas’s gaze. She watched as a woman walked up to Nicole. A smile crossed her friend’s lips as she excused herself from Alyssa and Thomas’s company, taking the woman’s hand.
“You were saying, Miss Macey,” Thomas baited, a smile threatening to curl his lips. He watched as Alyssa was taken aback by her friend’s sudden departure.
“May I ask why you care to speak to my brother,” Alyssa questioned, “Surely you have nothing to worry about. Whistledown has not disrespected your name,”
“She has not,” Thomas spoke, almost cutting off Alyssa’s claim, “But she has yours,” He watched as Alyssa’s eyebrows raised for a moment, out of shock. Alyssa was not aware of Philip and Thomas’s agreement. She was bewildered by Thomas’s sudden care and compassion towards her after he had allowed George to court her the previous night.
Alyssa’s attention left Thomas as she heard Laura and Timothee’s conversation grow louder, “And I learned my lesson,” Laura told him around her cigarette. Taking it from between her lips, she studied Timothee’s which sat closer than they should, “My father shipped me out here to marry. I have priorities, I can no longer flirt for the hell of it. You flirt entirely too much and for what,” She questioned the poet, “I am to marry and let all of the fun drain from my being,”
“You act as if marriage does not allow two beings to be together completely,” Timothee spoke. He inched even closer, sitting down on Laura’s drawing horse. She stiffened as his clothed arm brushed against her heated skin.
“Marrying for love is very uncommon,” Alyssa interrupted, adding herself into their conversation, “As I see it, if there is nothing in common between me and my future match then nothing about him will thrill me,” She watched as Timothee laughed around his cigarette. His laugh was hardy enough to almost make the depleting cigarette fall to the ground.
“And you act as if everything is abstract, intellectual, blue-collared,” Timothee told her. He placed his elbows on his knees, leaning forward he studied Alyssa’s embarrassed expression, “It seems as if mothers tell nothing to their daughters, do they Miss Macey,” His eyes fell from her and onto Thomas who sent him a glare of warning, “The physical side of marriage exists for pure thrill, that I promise you. If one can be physical with oneself, imagine the same but with your partner,”
“With oneself,” Alyssa questioned, she finished off her glass before looking towards her friend. Laura sat there silently but shrugged slightly, equally as lost, “You may be getting a bit too poetic my Lord,”
“Miss Macey,” Thomas spoke as he made his way in between her and Timothee, “May I speak to you-”
“I am speaking to Lord Chalamet,” Alyssa told him, intrigued by Timothee’s subject of topic, “I hold interest in what he speaks of,” She heard Timothee laugh from where he sat behind Thomas.
“The subject of this conversation is not for the ears of a lady,” Thomas spoke, “Especially a diamond in a place like this,” Turning towards Timothee, he spoke to his friend through his teeth, “If anyone hears Timothee, you must hope that God is in your favor,” He threatened, rolling up his white sleeves. Giving his attention back to Alyssa, the sternness did not leave his voice, “Miss Macey, if you would be so kind,” he offered her his hand.
His tone of voice made Alyssa take his hand silently. Rising to her feet, she nodded towards Laura before she allowed Thomas to lead her through the crowded room. Stopping in his tracks, Thomas looked back, making sure that Alyssa was still in Nicole’s sights, “If the topic was not meant for a lady then why had Timothee mentioned it,” Alyssa asked. Thomas looked down at her, a crossed expression sat on her face.
“Timothee knows too much of the female body for his own good,” Thomas spoke, “Exactly why he must marry this season, Miss Knightley or not,” he informed, “However, Miss Knightley would most certainly keep him in line,”
“My Lord,” Alyssa spoke, annoyed, “If it is about the female body, then I would like to know,” Thomas could tell that Alyssa was far more tipsy than she let on. He was surprised that Alyssa had managed to stay as composed as she was. The only thing that gave her current state away was that she allowed her hand to still linger in his hold, and he did not dare mention it.
“And if I do not tell, you would not let me hear the end of it would you,” Thomas questioned, pulling her closer by their connected grasp.
“You know me too well, my Lord,” Alyssa spoke. She held more confidence with alcohol in her system, and that made Thomas swallow the attraction that crawled its way up from his chest. His heart fluttered with each ‘my Lord’ that fell from Alyssa’s slightly slurred lips.
Thomas figured that if he did not tell Alyssa himself, she would probably hear Timothee’s words from Laura back at home. He especially did not want Philip to hear what Timothee was preaching so openly, “If I tell you,” Thomas spoke, his voice fell to a whisper, “I must speak of it quietly,” He watched as Alyssa looked up at him, squeezing his hand as he pulled her in, even closer than before, “No one must hear,” He warned, “and you will not dare to speak a word of this to your brother. Am I clear,”
Alyssa’s heart began to race as her lungs filled with Thomas’s familiar scent of tobacco and black tea. He was so close that she believed she could pass out from the aroma. Nodding, she could not bring herself to speak, afraid that she might stutter. She felt as Thomas’s free hand lingered against the skin of her left arm, his rough fingertips grazed her exposed arm.
“The thrill, by oneself,” Thomas cleared his throat as his gaze sat on Alyssa’s lip, unable to meet her eyes, “Is when you are alone. At night, blankets and curtains drawn,” he spoke, seeing the visual confusion that sat on Alyssa’s face, “After your housekeeper leaves and you are alone with your body and your,” He paused, “thoughts and traveling hands,”
“I am afraid that I do not understand,” Alyssa spoke as she saw Thomas growing visually flustered, “Where exactly should my hands be traveling,” She asked louder than before as her hold tightened on Thomas’s hand.
Bending forward, Thomas met Alyssa’s eyes, “Lower your voice,” he spoke urgently, “Miss Macey,” he cleared his throat as he noticed their close proximity. His fingers began to trace shapes against Alyssa’s arm, his hand then wrapped around her small wrist. Leading her hand across her skirt, he allowed it to fall against her lower abdomen, “Between your legs,” Thomas spoke sternly, his hand released from around her wrist, traveling down to her knuckles and tracing the length of her fingers, “You find,” Pauses fell between his words as his eyes made sure no one but Alyssa listened, “what you enjoy and you stick with that,”
Alyssa felt as if she could pass out at any moment. If she knew of the circumstances of the words that fell from Thomas’s lips, she surely would have found herself on the floor. But instead, she focused on his gentle touch; both of Thomas’s hands occupying her skin, “I-I shall, my Lord,” She stuttered, “Tonight,” she assured, watching Thomas’s face redden.
This time, Thomas’s hold tightened around her, “Miss Macey,” He choked out, “Please remember that this is no matter to be discussing with family,” Thomas could not believe that Sophia had not spoken to her own daughter about sex before the season’s debut, “It is a private matter,”
“Not even you, my Lord,” Alyssa questioned, attempting to meet Thomas’s eyes. The boxer was busy sending Timothee a threatening look.
“I do not believe that would be appropriate,” Thomas assured. Watching as Timothee drew closer to Laura, Thomas began to head back towards the group with Alyssa in hand, “I do believe you and Miss Knightley should retire for the night,” He felt as Alyssa squeezed his hand as he lead her through the dwindling crowd, “Philip must be wondering where you have been tonight,”
“Philip,” Alyssa acknowledged as she felt herself sobering up, “He will be crossed,” Picking up her pace, she found herself next to Thomas. Walking hand in hand, they passed by kissing couples: men and women, men and men, women and women. Alyssa watched as Thomas seemed to be caught off guard by the sight, making her laugh slightly, “I guess that is one thing to be looking forward to,” Alyssa spoke.
“Kissing,” Thomas questioned sheepishly, “Yes, kissing and other affairs,” Alyssa’s hand sat loosely in his hold as they now stood in front of Laura and Timothee.
“Quite,” Alyssa spoke, making eye contact with Laura. Her friend sat where they had left her as Timothee somehow loomed over her, closer than before, “Where is Nicole,” She spoke loudly, attracting Timothee’s eyes.
“Miss Macey,” Timothee smiled, “Tom,” Rising to his feet he swayed before the pair, eyes falling to their intertwined grasp, “Took you two lovebirds long enough. Laura and I were praying that you two were not off causing a scandal,”
“Laura,” Alyssa questioned. Thomas turned his head, studying her. To his surprise, she let Timothee’s ‘lovebirds’ comment slide.
“No thanks to you,” Thomas spoke, “I had to have a chat with Miss Macey about, post-marriage affairs,” He spoke artfully, “I cannot imagine what improper thoughts you filled Miss Knightley’s head with-“
“What are you going on about, mate,” Timothee slurred. A sly smile sat on his lips as Thomas’s brow furrowed, “I would not speak of such a thing to a lady- a diamond,” He corrected, “Who do you take me for,”
“I believe we should go look for Nicole,” Laura spoke, “As we are now without chaperone,” She looked up at her friend from her spot on the drawing horse, “However, I will let you two part ways,” Laura’s eyes fell to her friend’s hand before attempting to stand. To everyone’s surprise, Timothee offered Laura his hand.
Laura turned her head away from Alyssa as Timothee followed at Laura’s heels as she gave Alyssa and Thomas space, “I do apologize,” Timothee called out, making Laura stop in her tracks, “Laura, I hope after tonight,” he spoke slowly, “You and I see may see each other in a different light,”
“Of course,” Laura spoke, “I was not aware that you were capable of any conversation where you were not the subject,” Reaching out her hand, she tested him. Laura waited to see if Timothee truly wished to stop playing their game they found themselves in. Watching as Timothee accepted, her small hands sitting against his thin finger, she spoke once more, “I do enjoy speaking with you, my Lord,”
“Again with the formalities, Miss Knightley,” He teased, squeezing her hand slightly, “I hope to see you again soon,”
“As do I,” Laura spoke, “Timothee,” She attempted to stop herself from smiling as she found Timothee studying her. No other words were spoken between the two but Laura felt as if Timothee’s gaze told her all that she needed to know: he was finally serious.
Alyssa’s eyes were fixed on Laura and Timothee as the two left her and Thomas alone, “I do apologize for the topic of my conversation, Miss Macey,” Thomas’s voice cut through Alyssa’s thoughts, “It seems as if it was for nothing. One of Timothee’s schemes,”
“Do not worry, my Lord,” Alyssa spoke, making Thomas swallow, “Tonight was for unwinding. All for the fun of it,” She assured, “Also,” Alyssa cleared her throat, “I would have not known, otherwise, mama,” She rambled, “I know now,” Turning her head, she studied Thomas’s uneasiness.
“Yes, well,” Thomas stuttered, “I do believe it is best for you to retire before I say something else I may regret in the morning,” A smile curled his lips that were once pressed in a line. Thomas mentally prayed that he was able to sleep tonight, knowing what Alyssa had innocently promised. He watched as Alyssa lifted her skirt, slightly bowing.
“My Lord,” She spoke, “It was nice to see you,” Alyssa turned away from him, collecting her things that sat behind the house’s easel, “Away from the ton’s expectations. Without the heat of a ball and my family’s name weighing on my shoulders,” She explained, “Although, I will have to impress Whistledown somehow, now that she believes that I am no longer worthy of my title,”
“I do apologize,” Thomas interrupted, “You see, I only wished to allow you to focus on your studies,” He spoke, “I do not wish to ruin your life, Miss Macey, what gives you purpose,” Thomas did not realize how much his words affected Alyssa, “However, it seems as if I made things worse by not courting you,”
Alyssa had hoped to be courted by a man that she could hold a conversation with. For so long she believed that Thomas had nothing to offer her, but she now realized he held so much kindness. When she had gone to his matches with Philip, she could not help but see him as a pretty face, smitten by him like every other girl in London. She was surprised to have caught his eye and was somewhat jealous at his passion for his work. Alyssa knew that was something that she would never have once she was married, her passion for art would have to be hidden and replaced with family. If she were to marry an artist, she could only hope that he would allow her to still pursue her studies. Her plan was all she had, the only thing she felt as if she had control over.
“If you could ever forgive me,” Thomas’s words cut through Alyssa’s deep thoughts as he reached out for her hand. He watched as Alyssa shifted her small purse and sketchbook to her opposite hand, pressing the items against her chest.
“Consider it already done, my Lord,” Alyssa answered, offering her hand. She watched as Thomas brought her hand to his lips, placing a light kiss to her knuckles. Feeling her heart begin to race, she spoke, “Goodnight, my Lord,” as soon as he released her, she turned on her heels.
***
“I am awfully tired, Philip,” Alyssa spoke, rushing up the house’s large staircase, “I do not have the energy to speak, maybe in the morning,”
“Alyssa,” Philip called out, following at her heels, “You and I both know that we have topics to discuss,”
“Like what, brother,” Alyssa turned as she reached the top of the stairs. She studied her brother’s hazel eyes, “What cannot wait until morning. Unless you wish to tell me that Beatrice is expecting,” She shined the light on Philip, making his shoulders stiffen, “Am I to be an aunt. News like that would not be able to wait until morning, you are right,”
“George Haddington is bad news,” Philip spoke, ignoring Alyssa’s words, “Thomas is a safe choice,” He spoke, watching Alyssa roll her eyes, “Be happy that I am not asking you exactly what and where you have been all night. For heaven’s sake, I visit to find my sister out with a female chaperone at the art house,”
“Somewhere you frequent so often that Timothee and Thomas had showed up looking for you,” Alyssa added, “How they knew of your visit even before I,”
“Do not bring Timothee into this,” Philip sighed, “Please tell me you are staying away from Chalamet,”
“You and I both know I do not have the patience,” Alyssa assured, “Besides, he is courting Laura. Who was lucky enough to slip past you when we arrived,” She spoke loudly, hoping her friend would hear.
“Some good news,” Philip spoke with a sigh of relief, “Better news once you assure me that you no longer will be seen with Haddington. He has no respect for women and I will not allow him to court you,” He rambled, running his long fingers through his thick, ebony hair, “I wish I would have been able to return sooner. However, I am glad that Holland let me return at all,”
Alyssa felt her eyes roll at the sound of Thomas’s last name, “Oh yes, mama let me know how generous Thomas was to get you that job,” She met her brother’s eyes, his gaze was stern, “I had told you before the season even started, brother, when you took me to his countless matches. I am not interested,” She reminded him, “Yes, he is kind and handsome. He respects me and my studies,” Listening to herself ramble, she realized her list was now growing longer, “But we do not have common interest,”
“You know, everyone says you look like mother,” Philip spoke, “But you are as stubborn as our father,” He watched as Alyssa’s eyebrows furrowed harshly, “We have much to discuss in the morning,”
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Two of Diamonds: Ch. IV
“No one in London is surprised to hear that Thomas Holland held another successful match yesterday. However, the surprise was that the fighter had found company in the Two of Diamonds, the last place I, Lady Whistledown, would expect to see the season’s best,” Sophia read while the girls finished their breakfasts, “Rumors have spread that Alyssa Macey had been seen catching the eye of another suitor, Lord George Haddington. The artist was seen critiquing the diamond’s work next to the ring,” Alyssa watched as Sophia’s gaze left the small paper.
“Mama,” Alyssa spoke, unsure of her mother’s reaction, “Lord Haddington had invited me to his home for some figure work,” She was cut off by Sophia’s words.
“Now London waits and watches as Holland finds himself in his biggest fight yet: the fight against Haddington to pursue and win the season’s diamond,” Sophia read off, “It is worth noting that Timothee Chalamet has been seen with the other Two of Diamonds, Laura Knightley after she had previously declined the Lord’s hand,”
Laura laughed to herself as she studied her cleared plate, “He made a pretty sum of money at that fight,” Laura spoke, “Maybe it would be smart to invest at the next match,”
“I am not going to another match,” Alyssa spoke quickly. Everyone read Whistledown, including Thomas and George, and she did not wish to see either suitor after Whistledown’s recent scandal sheet, “I do not wish to see Lord Haddington, especially since I will not be attending his home for figure work,”
Sophia sat down the scandal sheet, looking up at her daughter, “And yet you will be attending tonight’s ball and the two men will be attending,” she stated, “You gave Thomas your word, what kind of lady would you be if you did not attend,”
“A lady who will finally get to pick up her violin and practice,” Alyssa spoke, “and do not remind me of tonight’s ball,” Standing up from the table she nodded to her mother, “If you could excuse us, Mama, I do wish to practice violin with Laura in the drawing room,”
“As you wish,” Sophia spoke with a small sigh, “But Alyssa,” she spoke with some urgency, “Please do not humiliate Thomas. He is a safe and wonderful choice,”
“He and I do not see eye to eye,” Alyssa interrupted, “He talks of sport and I just listen,” she laughed.
“And what is so wrong about that,” Sophia spoke, “You know he is kind, his family is wealthy, he is inheriting his father’s company,” she added, “The company that helped Philip get the job at the port. Do you know who convinced his father to give that position to your brother,” Sophia spoke, watching Alyssa roll her eyes, “Thomas did,”
“Of course Thomas did,” Alyssa laughed, “Mama, I desire conversation about the arts, drawing, painting, music,” she rambled, “Lord Haddington admires my work, he is an artist,”
“With what to his name,” Sophia spoke, “I assure you that you would do well to find security. Thomas can provide for you, give you strong and healthy children-“
“Mama,” Alyssa spoke. A blush threatened to warm her cheeks as her mother spoke so forwardly about her and Thomas. However, the blush did not bring color to her cheeks, unaware of exactly how one conceived a child, “If you would excuse us,” She repeated, unable to even look at her friend.
“Very well,” Sophia sighed, “You are excused,” She watched as Alyssa and Laura exited the large dining room.
***
The Two of Diamonds walked before Sophia, taking in the large, ornate room that held the small ball. The large room’s walls were covered in oil painting with grand, golden frames. The two girls stood at the top of the staircase, wide fans covering part of their faces. In order to create a sense of privacy, even for a moment, they decided to attempt to hide from the room's many eyes, “What are you to do about Lord Chalamet,” Alyssa asked Laura quietly from behind the plum colored fan that matched Laura’s gown.
“What am I,” Laura questioned from behind her fan. The fan was a yellow ochre, coordinating with Alyssa’s gown, “Have you forgotten that you have two suitors,” She questioned, “You cannot tell me you are choosing George,”
“You are not one to speak,” Alyssa interrupted, “Timothee is a poet, while I have yet to see Thomas open a book,” she spoke, making Laura laugh quietly, “I just do not think I could spend my whole life listening to him talk of sport, that is all,” Alyssa sighed, her eyes finding Thomas in the crowd below them, “He is quite handsome,” she found herself admitting.
“At least Thomas is loyal,” Laura added, “I am quite afraid of how many girls Timothee keeps in his company,”
The girls felt as Sophia’s hands fell onto the small of their backs, “On your way, girls,” She spoke, “Let us make our entrance,” The group stood at the top of the winding stairs.
Their short heels clicked against the marble steps as they descended, dresses trailing behind them slightly. All of the eyes in the room fell upon the diamonds, holding the attention of George, Timothee and Thomas. The pair of suitors stood near the bottom of the stairs, almost as if they were waiting for their arrival. And that they were. George could be found making his way through the smaller crowd that stood in his way of the Two of Diamonds.
Reaching the tiled floor, the girls and Sophia made their way to an opening on the floor. Sophia’s eyes found Thomas’s and with a nod of her head, motioned him to follow. Following Sophia’s lead, Thomas almost began to drag Timothee through the crowd by his pillowing shirt. His eyes fell on George who neared Alyssa with every step.
“Miss Macey,” George’s voice called, a small stride away from the group. His eyes were also on Thomas, the two suitors holding the others stare, neither backing down.
Closing her fan, Alyssa’s eyes fell on George as he stood before her, “Lord Haddington,” she spoke as she felt Sophia’s hand shake her discreetly, drawing her attention behind her and towards Thomas. Alyssa paused, her eyes fell to Thomas for a moment, she could see a hint of desperation in his brown pools, “How are you this evening,” As she allowed Thomas to approach, the hold on her fan grew looser. Once Thomas found his way to their sides, she dropped the fan, allowing it’s heavy metal handle to rattle against the decorative tiles. The noise was just loud enough to draw half of the room’s gaze.
Sophia and Laura watched as Thomas showed no hesitation, picking up the fan in his strong hold. His fist closed around the thin fan, as he tried to calm himself. Once composed, he handed the fan back to Alyssa. He felt as her gloved hands lingered against his skin, “Miss Macey,” he began to speak, however his voice fell short. Thomas thought about Alyssa’s studies and wondered if she had found any time to pick up a paint brush or her violin, “How are your studies,” he questioned.
Taking Alyssa by surprise, her face showed visual confusion, “Little to none I am afraid, when you have balls to prepare for,” Alyssa spoke, watching both suitors nod.
“All the more reason to join me for my figure studies,” George reminded her, “Sure your work of Lord Holland was more than satisfactory, however,” his words trailed, “He has yet to stand still long enough like a proper model,” George laughed. The company around him was silent besides Timothee, who let out a laugh, “I can provide you a proper model,”
Thomas watched as Alyssa’s eyes fell from George and onto himself, however he was silent. He did not wish to keep Alyssa from her studies, from what truly brought her happiness and pride. Thomas knew too well how doing what was right by the family could affect an individual. He had his fighting, something that was his and not his father’s, and he wished that Alyssa did not have to find herself swept up in the season.
“Miss Macey,” George’s voice cut through Alyssa’s thoughts. Turning her head, she was met by his outstretched hand, “May I,”
Alyssa studied Thomas, who was still silently studying her. Her gaze was almost pleading and she did not know why. She wanted a life with someone who shared her passion. So why was she mentally begging Thomas to steal her away? Watching Thomas nod she felt anger kindle inside of her chest, “You may, Lord Haddington,” Despite her anger towards Thomas, she somehow spoke with a smile. Reaching out, George took the small pencil to Sophia’s surprise.
“Lord Holland,” Sophia spoke, clearing her throat. She watched as his eyes still fell on Alyssa, her daughter staring down the suitor, “How are you this evening,” She questioned as George handed her back the pencil.
“Yes, how are you Tom,” Timothee spoke, wondering as to why his friend was backing down, “May I have a word,” he questioned Thomas. Timothee knew that Thomas was competitive, he never let an opponent get the upper hand in the ring and this was no different.
“I do not wish to take your time away from Miss Knightley,” Thomas spoke, eyes following Alyssa as George led her to the floor. He watched as Alyssa turned her head, shooting him a quick glance of desperation, “Your time with me is not as precious,” he joked, attempting to compose himself in front of Sophia and Laura.
“Very well,” Timothee spoke. To Laura’s surprise, Timothee showed much more compassion than she thought he was capable of, “Miss Knightley,” Timothee turned, handing over his attention to the debutant, “I must be your first dance tonight. And if you could be so kind, your only,” He charmed, making Laura laugh slightly.
“Very well, my Lord,” Laura bowed. She watched as Sophia eagerly handed him the pencil she kept in hand. As he took it, Laura raised her hand, dangling the small card before Timothee. She watched as he held the card in his large hands, his slender and long fingers bringing the small pencil to the card’s white surface. His hand moved, dare Laura think, poetically. Her gaze lifted to his green eyes as he offered his hand. Taking it, she followed him to dance, her eyes fixed on Alyssa and George as she made her way through the crowd.
George’s hand felt as if it could burn a hole through Alyssa’s dress as he led her to the music, “I want nothing more than to give you conversation worth discussing, Miss Macey,” George spoke, “I am no man of sport. It is quite uncivilized, and I am a man of the finer things. Like yourself,” He charmed.
“Very considerate of you, my Lord,” Alyssa replied quickly as she spun in his hold, “I just wish myself the opportunity to add to conversation, no matter the subject,” She replied, thinking back to her conversations with Thomas.
George laughed, “No need to speak well of Thomas when he is not even here, Miss Macey,” he saw right through her, “He had not even asked you to dance this evening. He must realize you are uninterested in a man of sport,” George studied Alyssa’s expression. She seemed worried as to if she had been the reason that Thomas did not offer his hand, “Or am I wrong,” he questioned, his hold on Alyssa growing more rough.
“As you said my Lord,” Alyssa spoke, feeling George’s fingertips holding her roughly, “Lord Holland is not in our company, so let us not speak of him,” She watched as George nodded, not pushing her any further. It seemed as if George was aware of Alyssa’s uncertain feelings towards her other suitor.
Thomas’s eyes had been on Alyssa since she and George walked onto the floor, however, her eyes never fell his way since they parted ways. His gaze fell from Alyssa and George’s and onto Timothee, attempting to not feel bad for himself all night. He was glad that Timothee had finally asked for Laura’s hand, he just hoped his friend would not screw himself over too quickly.
Timothee’s thin fingers trailed up the back of Laura’s dress, the fabric was soft in his grasp. The two had been silent for the first moments of their dance, “All eyes are on us tonight,” Timothee spoke, watching Laura’s eyes leave his, taking in the room around them.
“So they are, my Lord,” Laura replied, “Maybe they are all shocked that you had finally asked for my hand,” She told him, “With no hesitation,” Laura’s remark teased the suitor, but did not humiliate him.
“So I did,” Timothee spoke, his hand placed pressure on the small of her back. In doing so, he lead her closer to him. The space between them closed as he spoke again, quietly, “All of the debutants are looking at you in envy,” His words made Laura laugh, “They would all be lucky to have me take their first dance,”
“What does that make me, my Lord,” Laura questioned, annoyance laced her tone. However her words rang sweet, anger festered within her, “Lucky,” She asked. Watching Timothee smile, she laughed, “Have you forgot that I am one of the two diamonds? The season’s incomparable,”
“How could I forget,” Timothee questioned, “I am just glad you do not have a brother that would have my head for pursuing you,” He watched as Laura studied him.
Laura wondered if he was referring to Philip. Timothee’s intentions were suddenly clouded as she wondered if he was just settling for her, “Are you referring to Philip,” Laura pressed, “Philip Macey,”
“Philip wanted me no where near Miss Macey,” Timothee laughed, thinking back to a previous conversation he and Philip had shared, “It is to no surprise that he asked Thomas to pursue her over me,” Timothee spoke to Laura as if this was common knowledge and not an agreement Philip had made behind Alyssa’s back.
Laura spun away from Timothee, his hand pulling her back in. However, she no longer wished for him to close the space between them, “What exactly are your intentions, my Lord,”
“With Miss Macey,” Timothee questioned, their shared conversation still on his mind. He watched as Laura’s gaze fell from him and onto Thomas.
Thomas stood by the refreshments, a few debutants attempting to win his favor as they batted their lashes and swooned before him. He did not seem to care for their affection as his eyes stayed on Alyssa. He was not rude, he carried conversation with the few girls but they were not the debutant that caught his eye.
“Your intentions towards me, my Lord,” Laura snapped, raising her voice and alarm from those around her. Her eyes found Alyssa and George by the refreshments, “If you could excuse me,” She spoke harshly heading towards the pair. Laura wanted nothing more than to complain to her friend. Hearing Timothee call after her, she quickened her pace.
Alyssa found herself once again with her lips against the ball’s small glass while her suitor rambled before her. However, this time it was George. He spoke of his recent trip to a salon in Brighton. Alyssa added a few remarks here and there but it was all conversation that did not hold her attention like she had thought, “What I would give to go, my Lord,” her words ended in some wind knocking out of her lungs as an individual knocked into her back with just enough force, “Pardon me,” Alyssa spoke, turning her head.
Her eyes met Thomas’s, watching him back away from a growing number of debutants, making her eyes narrow out of slight jealousy, “My apologies,” Thomas spoke, “Miss Macey,” her name left his lips, making her heart flutter. She was not supposed to feel this way towards Thomas. He was an uneducated choice made off of his looks alone.
“Like I said, my Lord,” Alyssa attempted to push Thomas out of her mind, not accepting his apology, “I would love to go to Brighton. I have only found myself at local events as of recent,” She spoke indirectly of Thomas’s fight, making the boxer’s gaze grow irritated.
George smiled at Thomas, thinking that Alyssa’s intentions towards Thomas had vanished, “Arts strengthen the mind, Miss Macey,” George spoke, “Something that a local fight will never hold,”
Before Alyssa could part her lips to speak, her eyes found Laura as she made her way towards her, “Laura,”
“Lord Holland, the company you keep is quite asinine,” Laura huffed, settling next to her friend, watching as Thomas and Alyssa still stood back to back.
“I am afraid I do not know what you speak of, Miss Macey is not in my company tonight,” Thomas spoke with jealousy against a glass of champagne.
“If you could excuse us, my Lords,” Alyssa spoke abruptly, taking hold of Laura’s wrist. Without a word she left the two suitors behind her as Laura followed at her heels.
Laura looked at Alyssa as they two began to catch the eyes of those around them, “Where are we going,” She questioned. With no response from her friend, she continued, “What a choice, George. He is quite cocky,”
“And Lord Chalamet is not,” Alyssa questioned with a slight turn of her head. She was leading Laura out into the garden for some much needed fresh air, “I need to breath,”
“Anger does not suit you,” Laura spoke, “Your brows are furrowed enough as is,” She teased, “Do not let him get to you. For what he has done does not compare to what Timothee has done,” The two had found themselves on the terrace which connected to the small building's garden.
“Is all not going well for the highly spoken of,” The two heard a familiar voice speak, “I mustn't say I was surprised to hear Whistledown’s claim,” Turning their heads, the two friends found the voice’s source. The young woman stood, leaning against the terrace’s stone fencing as she brought a hand rolled cigarette to her lips. Her blonde hair sat in a low bun, longer strands framing her face, “I do apologize for not greeting you sooner,”
“Nicole,” Alyssa identified her old friend, “You could have saved us the trouble of torment,” Alyssa spoke with a smile, “When did you return? I did not think you would have made such a trip,”
Stepping towards them, the lighting from the ball reflected off of her long silver gown, “The Prince and I thought of an arrangement,” She spoke, eyes now studying the garden. Nicole Follett had participated in the previous season, and was her own season’s diamond. She had managed to be courted by Prince Skarsgard, the prince of Sweden, “He is always away on business and noticed that I have become lonely. So for the time being I am residing in London, with family and friends,”
“How very thoughtful,” Alyssa spoke as the three stood outside silently, but in good company.
“Laura have you moved back as well,” Nicole questioned, “I hope my letters have found you well, all the way from Sweden,”
Laura turned her head, eyes focused back towards the ball that roared behind them, “They have,” She replied, “It is nice to be back for the season. But I suppose my location depends one the suitor that takes my hand,” Laura sighed, “And I have seemed keen towards the worst of the lot,”
The two watched as Nicole laughed around her depleting cigarette, “I had lucked out with Alexander,” She spoke, “Although the two of us have a slight language barrier, I feel like the luckiest woman,” Nicole looked out at the flourishing, moonlit garden, “He is quite thoughtful,” she paused, “Considerate,” Nicole turned back towards the ballroom, eyes falling on Timothee and Thomas who watched the group from not too far off, “What have those two done to deserve your wrath,” Nicole laughed, “Well, they are men afterall,”
“Exactly the point,” Alyssa spoke as her eyes searched for George, however she was unable to spot him anywhere. She sighed, realizing he must have left as soon as she departed, “One moment they show interest and the next you are a stranger,” She rambled.
“Timothee is egotistical, a narcissist,” Laura added.
“A poet,” Alyssa cut in.
“Precisely,” Laura spoke, “I finally accept his hand and he tells me that I am the one who is lucky,” She laughed, “As if he is not dancing with an incomparable,” Laura straightened her shoulders as she let out a heavy sigh, “A diamond,”
“Which is exactly my point,” Alyssa spoke, “Thomas would be lucky to have my hand,” She was unsure of where her thoughts came from as they left her lips, “Not that I wish to spend the rest of my life with a brute,” she attempted to cover up her sudden confession as she felt her friends’ gazes fall onto her, “I just did not expect him to invite me to another one of his fights, only to be declined at the next ball,”
“What is stopping you from attending his fight with another suitor,” Nicole smiled, “Do not let him have the upperhand. You attending with another man could throw the fight for all we are aware. Break his glorified title,” She ashed her cigarette, arms crossed. Nicole watched as the two debutants smiled, “You both should join me tomorrow night for some figure work, at the art house,”
“We will be there,” Laura spoke quickly before Alyssa could decline. She already knew where Alyssa stood at the idea. It was not that the debutant thought lowly of the art house, it is that everyone thinks highly of the Macey household. Alyssa did not want the burden of being seen there. If it were Philip, no one would bat an eye. However, Alyssa was a lady, and that meant that society and the ton viewed her in a completely different light, “Alyssa we shall wear lesser gowns, loosen our hair. No one will know,” Laura almost pleaded.
“Very well,” Alyssa spoke to their surprise, “I need to channel my anger somewhere,” She explained, “And that is one place I know I will not find Thomas,” She spoke.
“Perfect, ladies,” Nicole smiled, “I will be by, in my carriage tomorrow night. If you can excuse me, I will go greet Sophia and let her know of our plans,”
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Two of Diamonds: Ch. III
Alyssa’s hands brushed one of the dozens of flower bouquets that sat around the drawing room. She could never imagine she and Laura would have drawn so many suitor’s eyes. In Laura’s hands sat the newest issue of Lady Whistledown. Laura had not yet skimmed the pages, waiting to read it to Alyssa aloud.
“I, Lady Whistledown, foresee many things. But not even I would have predicted the unlikely pair of Miss Alyssa Macey and London’s youngest boxer, and son of Holland Co., Lord Thomas Holland. The two were by the other’s side ever since the evening’s first dance, Lord Holland not even giving suitors the chance for an introduction. Lord Holland is a man of his craft. Will his infatuation with the diamond fuel his passion in the ring, or it be his downfall,” Laura spoke, watching her friend stiffen, back towards her, “He is quite passionate-“ Laura teased.
“If he is truly infatuated he would have sent flowers,” Alyssa countered, but she was right. Numerous suitors had sent her flowers, Sophia having turned men away from their home all morning, “But what has Whistledown to say about you,”
Laura smiled, straightening out the paper, she cleared her throat, “The other diamond of the pair, Miss Laura Knightley, was seen dancing the night away with many suitors before leaving them wanting more. The Two of Diamonds retired from last night’s ball quite quickly, but no doubt have caught every suitor’s eye,”
“Surely you left Lord Chalamet wanting more,” Alyssa laughed, “I cannot fathom as to why you denied him a dance,” she spoke, “Or has another suitor caught your eye,”
“Not at all,” Laura spoke, “And why so formal, it is not if they will hear,” her words were cut short as Sophia entered the room.
Sophia’s eyes found Alyssa standing in front of the drawing room’s bouquets, looking as if she were in a field of flowers. Her hair sat loosely in a low bun, she wore a simple powder blue dress. Laura sat on the drawing room’s ornate couch, her purple dress flowing over her crossed legs, “Girls,” Sophia spoke, “How about we take a moment to compose ourselves, Laura, your hair,” she lectured, seeing Laura’s low bun begin to fall during her relaxed state.
“And what is the occasion mama,” Alyssa questioned, a bit of fear ran through her chest, unsure of what her mother was planning, “Mama,” she questioned again, as Sophia silently fixed Laura’s hair.
“Lord Holland and Lord Chalamet are here,” Eleanor spoke, entering the room, “Shall I let them in Lady Macey,”
“Of course,” Sophia spoke over Alyssa’s denial. As soon as Eleanor left, Sophia turned to her daughter, “I have been denying suitors since before the two of you awoke. You shall see them,” Alyssa did not have a chance to speak, her eyes catching Thomas’s in the doorway.
Thomas and Timothee stood side by side, flowers sat in their grasp. Thomas led Timothee at his tail with wandering eyes, “Lady Macey,” Thomas nodded, his gaight fell short, allowing Timothee to almost stumble into him, “Miss Macey,” Thomas spoke, his eyes falling on Alyssa as she stood next to her mother.
Every time she saw Thomas, he wore a similar tweed suit. His black suit contrasted against the arrangement that sat in his hands: white daisies and blue morning glories, innocence and affection. The flowers found their way into Alyssa’s hands as Thomas stepped closer to her.
“Miss Knightley,” Thomas added, bouquets now handed off, “I see Lady Whistledown was correct,” He somewhat joked, looking at the flower filled room, “You have caught many suitor’s eyes,”
“Is Whistledown ever wrong, my Lord,” Laura questioned with a smile, eyes on Thomas. Laura had felt Timothee’s serious gaze on her ever since Thomas had first addressed Sophia. However, Laura would not give in until Timothee addressed her.
“You were dancing with every suitor who laid eyes on you,” Timothee stood before the girls holding a handful of Love-in-a-mist, decorated by a few miscellaneous flowers from his house’s garden. The bouquet signified, ‘you puzzle me’, “And might I say, you are unlike any girl I have laid eyes on,” He stared at Laura, her gaze was unreadable, “and if you do me the honor of being your first dance at the next ball,”
“I accept,” Laura spoke, “However, you will have to ask me again on the dance floor,” She instructed, “If I say no to another suitor I will not be able to offer you a dance,”
“Of course,” Timothee spoke, “and I will be expecting your company at Tom’s fight,”
“Of course,” Laura almost mocked, however her voice was sickly sweet. She watched as Timothee bowed his head, unable to determine if she truly had accepted his invitation.
“Oh,” Timothee smiled, “and Miss Macey,” he spoke, eyes falling onto Thomas for a split second. His friend stood there silently, hardly speaking to Alyssa since their visit, “I do hope you bring one of your sketchbooks to the match,” Timothee referenced their conversation from the ball, “I was serious about what we spoke of last night,”
Alyssa gaze sat on Timothee, a smile on her tinted lips, “I will do so Lord Chalamet,” Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Thomas stir, shifting his weight between his two feet.
“We should hate to keep you any longer,” Thomas spoke politely. Jealous crawling up his body, he adjusted his collar, “Miss Macey, I do hope you enjoy the match. I will be looking forward to seeing you front row,” Reaching out his hand, he lightly pushed Timothee aside. He watched as Alyssa’s gloved hands shifted the small bouquet, freeing her right hand.
Alyssa placed her hand in Thomas’s, her touch was light but not hesitant, “We appreciate the invitation, my Lord,” she spoke, quite genuine.
“Of course,” Thomas almost smiled. Composing himself, he cleared his throat, “And I do apologize for his behavior,” his voice quietly joked, his head nodding towards Timothee. Thomas watched Alyssa nod, a smile played on her lips at his joke, “Lady Macey,” Thomas nodded, Alyssa’s hand still in his hold, “Miss Knightley,” Finally, he stepped back, allowing Alyssa’s hand to fall back to the flowers that sat against her dress.
“Lady Macey,” Timothee nodded, his hands sat behind his back, the large sleeves of his shirt moved as he bowed, “Miss Macey. Miss Knightley,” He spoke, eyes on Laura.
“Lord Chalamet,” Laura spoke. Timothee once again did not offer her his hand. She watched as he turned, walking to the door less formally, not waiting for Thomas.
Thomas must have noticed as he reached out his hand, giving Laura’s hand a quick hold. However, his eyes fell on Alyssa, “Good day,” he nodded before following his friend.
***
Laura flattened out her plum colored dress as she sat down at the table for breakfast, “I would have thought you would be held up in your room,” She told her friend who was on her second cup of tea, “Studying how your hair sits, or if you were wearing the correct shade of green,” Laura teased Alyssa, “However, we would not want you to throw the fight,”
“And how so,” Alyssa interrupted, making Laura laugh, “I accepted out of politeness, nothing more,” She told the brunette, “Especially since they both seemed so keen,”
“Indeed, they did,” Laura added, not wanting to stir her friend’s nerves any longer. She watched as a housekeeper filled her cup with tea, “Thank you,” she spoke quietly, eyes searching the quiet room, “I wonder if Whistledown will have anything to say about Thomas’s fight tonight,”
Laura’s words made Alyssa stop playing with the filigree of her dress, “And why would she,” She questioned trying to recall if Lady Whistledown had ever written about a fight in London.
“Because we will be there,” Laura spoke around the teacup’s thin rim, “And moreso, you will be there. Front row. Invited by Thomas himself,” Laura added a new claim with each sip of tea.
Before Alyssa could interject, Sophia had entered the large room, “I am so sorry I am late,” she smiled, seeming extra cheerful for the hour, “Lord Holland has sent a carriage,”
“A carriage,” Alyssa almost laughed, “Has he forgotten we have a carriage of our own,” She questioned, surprise sitting below the surface of her irritated tone.
“He is quite the gentleman,” Sophia smiled, taking a seat at the head of the table. Almost on cue, the housekeepers began to serve the food, “Lord Holland and Lord Chalamet have shown respect and boundaries towards you girls, as a suitor should,” Sophia spoke, placing her small fork into the cooked eggs she found on her plate, “You girls will do well as to keep them occupied,”
“He and I share no interests, mama,” Alyssa felt her eyes roll as she thought about the fight they were to attend within an hour, “At least Lord Chalamet is an artist, he understands, as Philip did,” she told her mother, “Lord Holland has nothing to add to intellectual conversation,”
“Have you even discussed the topic,” Sophia asked, eyebrows raised. She searched her daughter’s face for an answer as Alyssa sat there silently.
“At least he asked you to dance,” Laura added, “Timothee has not even reached out a hand to me,” her voice was irritated, “I have touched Lord Holland’s hand many more times than my actual suitor,”
“Even Philip agreed with me,” Sophia stated, “Lord Holland is a good choice, a safe choice,” she told Alyssa, “I could not have been more relieved when he asked you to dance,”
Alyssa continued to chew the food that was in her mouth. However, as she looked at her plate, she had found that she lost her appetite, “If I had to listen to talk about sport for the rest of my life I believe I would go mad,” She admitted, setting down her utensils, “If you could excuse me,” Alyssa stood up from the table, “I do believe I should make sure I am presentable,”
***
Laura took the last seat that Thomas had saved for the three women. The large room was loud and filled with mostly men. Laura’s eyes wandered, watching a large group of men placing bets on Thomas, a few on his opponent.
“Holland hardly loses his fights. You are throwing your money away,” A claim was heard, followed by, “I heard he is expecting one of the diamonds. This fight is the last place his head will be,”
Alyssa kept her head low, eyes fixed on the small, bound sketchbook that sat in her lap. She dreaded the noise of the room while Laura enjoyed the change of pace.
Eyes still wandering, Laura had found Timothee. The poet was surrounded by young artists, a few old. Now, Laura searched for Thomas. As her eyes locked onto his, she reached out, grabbing Alyssa’s glovesd forearm, “He is looking at you,” She whispered, directing her gaze onto the nearest object, attempting to be subtle.
“You should wish him luck,” Sophia stated, knowing it was only the polite thing to do, “And for the flowers in the carriage,” she smiled.
Alyssa almost rolled her eyes, recalling the bouquets that waited for the three of them when they opened Thomas’s carriage doors, “Of course, and you will be accompanying me,” Alyssa asked her mother, watching Sophia decline, “but I must be of chaperone-”
“And you are,” Sophia spoke, “I can see Thomas wonderfully from front row,” her gaze fell to Laura, shaking her head slightly, silently telling her to stay in her seat.
Knowing that she would not be able to convince her mother otherwise, Alyssa rose to her feet, placing her sketchbook and pencils on the seat behind her, “Feel free to interject,” Alyssa spoke, looking at her friend. She watched as Laura gave her a fake smile.
Alyssa was thankful that where Thomas stood, seemed to be more quiet than the front row seats. As she passed the ring, her eyes were fixed on him. She watched as he wrapped his hands for the fight. Thomas’s gaze was focused on his right hand, however his eyes tried to find hers as she approached him, “Lord Holland,” Alyssa bowed.
Looking up, Thomas took in the simple green dress she wore. However, it was contrasted by jewelry worthy for a diamond, “Miss Macey,” he finally addressed, “I hope the carriage ride here was to your liking,” Thomas asked, “and the flowers,”
“It was lovely, Thomas,” Alyssa spoke quickly, “Lord Holland,” she corrected, “my mother appreciated the flowers, thank you,” she recalled Sophia going on and on in the carriage about the kind gesture, “I wanted to wish you luck,” Alyssa told him, remembering the reason she had approached him, “I know nothing of the sport, however,”
“I could teach you,” Thomas interrupted, watching Alyssa almost laugh. A smile sat on her lips, little did he know it was not out of happiness.
“Of course you could,” Alyssa spoke. She had no interest in learning but continued to be polite to her suitor. Her eyes met another man’s as he approached Thomas, letting him know the match was about to start.
“Please, let me walk you back to your seat,” Thomas spoke, his posture was straight and confident, however he somehow seemed nervous speaking to her. Offering Alyssa his arm, he waited for her to accept.
“I would hate to keep you,” Alyssa spoke. As the words left her lips she saw disappointment begin to reflect in Thomas’s brown eyes, “however, if you insist,” she smiled, taking hold of his firm arm. It took everything for her not to swoon at the muscles that sat against her fingertips. Her eyes studied the room as he walked her back, focusing on anything besides his bicep in her grasp.
Alyssa felt as if all of the eyes in the room were on the two as they neared the front row. She was not wrong, the room filled with murmur, many wondering if the boxer’s head was truly in the approaching match.
“Lady Macey,” Thomas nodded as Alyssa released her hold from his arm, “I hope you enjoyed the flowers,” The bouchet he had left for Sophia was the blooming Iris, hoping to let her know that he was sending a message.
“Of course, Thomas,” Sophia spoke, less formal. She had spoken to Thomas on a few occasions since Philip had formerly been employed to Holland Co., not to mention he had spent some time with Thomas and Timothee outside of work, “We look forward to your fight,” Sophia told him, “I myself never had the pleasure of attending while Philip was around,”
“You are welcome to any of my fights, Lady Macey,” Thomas informed, “Just say the word,” he smiled softly. Turning his head, he nodded towards Laura, “Miss Knightley,” he spoke before his eyes fell to Alyssa once more, “Do wait for me after the match,” Thomas spoke, “Miss Macey,”
Alyssa held onto the sketchbook that once again sat in her lap, “Of course, my lord,” She twirled the wooden pencils that sat in her hand out of nervousness. She watched as he nodded before turning towards the ring.
His opponent was already waiting for him in the small ring. The man was taller and older than Thomas, looking as if he was at an advantage. Thomas climbed into the ring with ease, slipping under the rings ropes. Thomas’s bare feet planted firmly on the old matted floor, his brown pants sat tightly against his muscular legs.
Thomas’s shoulders straightened as he rolled his neck, preparing himself for the fight. He assumed that he would have been more on edge with Alyssa being in the front row, however he found himself more motivated. He watched as his opponent bounced on his feet, both of them waiting for the bell to chime. Thomas turned his head, expecting to see Alyssa’s nervous gaze, but instead he watched as she bent over her sketchbook. Her pencil poured over the blank page as the bell chimed, raising her gaze.
The sound of the bell snapped Thomas back into the fight and out of his head, dodging his opponent’s punch just in time. He attempted to catch his breath as he swung towards the man with force. The sound of Thomas’s knuckle against the man’s skin made Alyssa pick up her head.
Thomas’s form and movements interested her more than the sport itself. Alyssa had found herself producing quick, gesture sketches of Thomas in her small sketchbook as he moved around the ring. She listened as the room cheered as Thomas took the advantage in the fight. He continued to strike the tall opponent, knocking him into the ring’s right corner.
Thomas continued to strike the man, over and over, thinking as to why Alyssa was not paying him any attention at his own match. He wondered if Timothee was right, if he was truly boring Alyssa. The bell chimed as he was lost in the moment, snapping him back to reality. Backing off the man, he pushed up the sleeves of his shirt, turning his head towards Alyssa. Catching her eyes, he watched as she stared at him silently while he mother clapped, a smile on Sophia’s face. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he nodded towards Alyssa.
Alyssa hated watching Thomas beat another man just for sport, but there was something about seeing his chest heave that made her second guess herself for a moment, “And here I thought you hated the sport,” She heard Sophia tease, “but it seems that you cannot keep your eyes off of him,” Alyssa’s mother spoke, eyes studying the drawings of Thomas that sat on the open spread of Alyssa’s sketchbook.
“He is an excellent model,” Alyssa spoke, “Where else can I study a figure in this sort of movement, mama,” she questioned, making an excuse.
“Of course,” Sophia spoke, turning her head back towards the ring, “I believe coming here would be good practice,”
“And nothing more,” Alyssa added, watching her mother nod.
***
Despite Thomas’s distraction when the fight started, he had gained the upper hand, winning the fight. Alyssa and Laura listened as the men around them stirred, conversations growing from mutters to roars. Thomas almost never lost a fight, however, many men bet against him seeing that the Two of Diamonds were present. They were certain that Thomas’s head would have been focused on the debutant he was pursuing and not the fight itself.
Wishing to escape the loud crowd around them, Alyssa stood. She found herself searching for Thomas around the room, “You should go congratulate him,” She heard Sophia speak from next to her, “The two of you shall do well waiting with Lord Chalamet by the ring,” Sophia instructed the girls, watching them nod.
Laura rolled her eyes to herself, knowing that Timothee would still be playing his games with her, “After your lead,” Laura told her friend with a fake smile. Laura could tell that Alyssa was just as hesitant as she was.
“Of course,” Alyssa spoke, her eyes narrowing at her friend. With her sketchbook in hand, she headed out of her seat and towards Timothee. She had told him that she would allow him to look at her latest sketchbook, so at least she had a reason to approach the suitor, “Lord Chalamet,” Alyssa spoke hesitantly as his back faced her.
“Miss Macey,” Timothee smiled, addressing her before he even turned around. He was surrounded by men that shared the same artistic sense that he had. The group was dressed mostly the same, all sporting bell sleeved shirts, “Brought me your sketchbook I hope,”
“I have,” Alyssa spoke. She was hesitant, knowing that Timothee had yet to address Laura. Alyssa sent Timothee a subtle glare, her eyes falling from his and towards Laura.
“Ah,” Timothee smiled, “Miss Knightley, I hope you enjoyed the fight,” He spoke, his eyes only landing on Laura for a second before falling on the sketchbook in Alyssa’s gloved hands. Reaching out, he removed the bound book from her hold.
“That I did,” Laura spoke, “However, I will admit I would have liked to see you in the ring as well,” She spoke, hiding her bitterness with a sweet tone.
“If I were Tom’s opponent, he certainly would be undefeated,” Timothee joked, admitting his weakness, “My weapon is my words. I prefer to slay those with my tongue rather than my fists,” He spoke, “Tom is definitely a fighter, he is terrible at words,” Flipping through. Alyssa’s work, time fell in between his words as he studied the pages, “I do hope Tom does not bore you, Miss Macey,” Timothee felt someone’s shoulder brush against his own. Turning his head, he met one of his friend’s eyes, “You remember Philip Macey,” Timothee spoke to the man, “Miss Macey is his sister, and one of the season’s diamonds,” he informed, “Oh. As well as Miss Knightley,” Timothee added with a sly smile.
“George Haddington,” The man spoke with a smile. He seemed older than Timothee, who was twenty himself, “Miss Macey, may I say you have quite an eye,” he studied her work as Timothee flipped through the pages. Both of their eyes landed on the sketches of Thomas from the fight, making Timothee laugh to himself. His small laugh was enough to notify George that something was going on between Thomas and the diamond, “If it is figure work you acquire, I myself have a model,” George spoke, taking a step closer to Alyssa, taking the sketchbook from Timothee’s grasp, “I occupy my Saturday mornings with similar study. You are welcome to join me,” He offered, placing the book back in Alyssa’s grasp before running his fingers through his light brown hair, “With chaperone of course,”
“Of course,” Alyssa spoke, feeling slight discomfort from his proximity. Her eyes fell to Laura, hoping to send her a silent plea. However, her friend and Timothee had wandered off to collect Timothee’s bet winnings. Closing the sketchbook, she held it closer to her chest as she returned her gaze to George’s green eyes, “I do not have the privilege of a model myself. I must say that I am not one for sport,” Alyssa spoke, “so I found use of my time,” her words made George laugh slightly.
“I only attended to keep Timothee from throwing all of his father’s money away,” George playfully whispered, getting closer, “But I must say, I should have placed my bet,” he admitted, “Timothee did say there was a reason Thomas would win the fight today,”
“And why is that my lord,” Alyssa spoke, head tilted out of slight confusion. She felt George reach out, placing his hand on hers. Alyssa watched as his lips began to part.
“Thomas,” George smiled, raising his hand from Alyssa’s glove and placing it firmly against Thomas’s shoulder, “I was just discussing the arts with Miss Macey,” he spoke.
Alyssa turned her head, coming face to face with Thomas. He stood over her shoulder and she wondered just how long he had been standing there, “Lord Holland,” she stuttered.
“This is the last place I would have expected to see Miss Macey,” George spoke deliberately, “I would think she would want to spend her free time on her studies. Her work is outstanding,” He searched Thomas’s face. The boxer seemed a bit puzzled, taken aback by another suitor pursuing Alyssa, especially at his own match, “Have you not seen it,” George questioned with a small laugh, “Well then. I hope to see you at the next dance Miss Macey,” he spoke, “and my offer still stands, as long as you are with chaperone,” George’s eyes left Alyssa’s. His gaze was no longer soft as it fell to Thomas, a bit of challenge met Thomas’s eyes.
“Lord Holland,” Alyssa stuttered, clearing her throat slightly, “Congratulations,” she spoke, the air between them hung heavy from George’s words.
Thomas watched as Alyssa turned to face him. Her cheeks were blushed and he hoped it was from the awkward conversation and not from George, “If I may ask,” Thomas spoke as he found Alyssa’s eyes on his hands. A few of his knuckles were bloody, despite his wrapping, “I noticed you were not watching the fight. Why so,” He watched as Alyssa’s gaze snapped back up to his soft, brown eyes.
“My lord, I did not mean to discredit your work,” Alyssa spoke quickly. Extending her arms, she brought her sketchbook away from where it sat against her chest, “You see,” Thomas watched as she opened the book, hands shaking slightly, “I found myself inspired,” She flipped to the spread she had completed during his fight. Handing Thomas the sketchbook, it looked even smaller in his large hands.
Thomas’s eyes studied the quick gestures which were harder to identify as himself. Even though he knew nothing about art, he could tell Alyssa was focused more on the movement of his fighting than his likeness at first. However, he found a portrait study of himself on the page. Raising his gaze he could not meet Alyssa’s eyes. Alyssa studied her feet out of embarrassment, only thinking of the worst outcomes. She had hoped that Thomas would not find her work intrusive.
“I can tell how much work you put into your studies, Miss Macey,” Thomas spoke, his fingers lightly tracing the lines she had made of the pages, “I am truly flattered,” He almost whispered, his lips stuttering, “and I apologize. For not only assuming you were not watching but for also taking you away from a day of studies,” He watched as Alyssa smiled at his words, finally meeting his eyes.
Alyssa nodded while searching for words to say in response of Thomas’s kindness, “I do wish I could focus on the arts and not so much on this season,” Alyssa spoke quietly, “However, I did enjoy studying you,” She paused, hearing her words aloud she began to stutter.
Thomas smiled slightly, “You are welcome back any time, Miss Macey,” he told her, “even if you are only here for study,” Thomas was unsure of what George had offered her, but he hoped that she did not get swept up by him. He had an uneasy feeling about George, but he was unsure if it was just jealousy or his short temper.
“Thank you, Lord Holland,” Alyssa spoke, she found herself holding onto his gaze. Even though she found fighting distasteful, she could not help but find herself slightly falling for him. She was so lost in her thoughts of him that she did not realize Laura and Timothee had returned, “Shall I see you at the next dance,” Alyssa questioned.
“Of course,” Thomas answered, “and I hope to see you at my next fight,” he added. Handing her back the sketchbook, his hands lingered against the fabric of her gloves.
“Of course,” Alyssa replied with a nod before realizing she had agreed to see another fight, the sport she hated the most, “Good day,” She spoke quickly, “Lord Chalamet,” she addressed before quickly turning.
“Lord Chalamet,” Laura nodded, “Lord Holland,” a smile sat on her lips as she follows Alyssa, “What was that,”
“What was what,” Alyssa spoke, her thumbs running over where Thomas’s hands held her sketchbook.
“Agreeing to seeing another fight, you were dreading even coming,” Laura spoke before Alyssa interrupted her mocking.
“I do not wish to make a fool of him at his own fight,” Alyssa lied through her teeth, “Besides, I found that he is not a bad model to draw,” she spoke, “and I need the practice,”
“Then why do we not just go to an art house,” Laura spoke, both of the girls nodding towards the men that looked their way.
Alyssa turned her head, “There is no art house fit for us, let alone now that we are the season’s diamonds,”
“You and Lord Holland seemed to be quite fond of each other’s company,” The two girls heard Sophia beam, making them realize that they had made their way back to their seats.
“She even questioned if he was to be at the next dance,” Laura added, watching her friend shoot her a small glare, “and Lord Holland invited her to his next fight,”
***
The club roared as the men all toasted to another one of Thomas’s wins. Thomas raised his glass of whiskey as he sat, reclined in his chair. Looking around the room, he watching as George took a seat with a few of the other men across the large room.
Leaning on his knees, Thomas bent forward, his eyes on Timothee as he spoke quietly, “What are George’s intentions,” He questioned, rotating the glass in his hand.
“What are you going on about,” Timothee spoke, his head tilted as his drink went down smoothly, “You know George,”
“No, you know George,” Thomas spoke sternly. He took a sip of his whiskey, his eyes leaving Timothee and falling to George, “He spoke to Miss Macey,”
“Alyssa,” Timothee questioned, “Is that what this is about,” he laughed, “Just ask him yourself if you are so jealous,”
“I am not jealous,” Thomas spoke. However, he knew that a small part of him was. George made easy conversation with Alyssa, being able to her about their shared studies, “I do not want him to lead her on,” he spoke truthfully, “she is a diamond,”
“You are worried that she will like him because of how he spoke of her work,” Timothee questioned as he poured himself another drink, “However, you may be right,” he teased, “you said yourself, she is a diamond. She has many interested suitors, you saw the flowers,”
“As did you,” Thomas spoke, “Have you forgotten Miss Knightley is a diamond as well,” he asked, watching Timothee send him a serious gaze, “a diamond should be the one playing hard to get, not the suitor,” Thomas warned, tipping back his glass.
“She has no other men of interest,” Timothee spoke, “She has not pursued a single one,” he told Thomas. He watched as a sly smile crossed Thomas’s normally pressed lips.
“You are right,” Thomas poured himself another glass of whiskey, “She has not pursued even you,”
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Two of Diamonds: Ch. II
Alyssa felt her heart flutter as Thomas stopped, finding an opening on the tiled dance floor. Turning, he now faced her. He met her worried gaze, his own nerves rising. Thomas bowed, waiting for Alyssa to do the same. She responded with a small bow before she found his hand on her back, pulling her closer to him. His advancement made her shoot him a glance, “The pianist is quite talented,” Thomas looked down at Alyssa, muttering the first thing that came to mind.
Sensing that he was trying to cut through her nerves, she spoke, “Quite,” She smiled, attempting to calm herself she took a deep breath. However, her lungs filled with the scent of black tea and tobacco, making her almost swoon, “Do you play,” she spoke breathlessly, trying to collect herself. Alyssa refused to get caught by his charm, the task growing harder as she felt his hand travel up her back.
His original claim slipped his mind, his thoughts falling to what came to him naturally; sports, “I enjoy sports,” he extended his left hand, spinning Alyssa before pulling her back into his grasp. He studied her expression, unable to read her. Panicked, he spoke, “It has been some time since you have seen one of my fights,”
“Indeed,” Alyssa sighed, sports being the last subject she wished to discuss, “Is that how you know my brother,” she questioned, hoping for the conversation to stray.
“Yes, but not quite,” Thomas explained, “Lord Macey worked under my father before he took the job stationed at the Manchester port,”
“Your father is a tradesman,” Alyssa questioned, recalling seeing his last name around London, never making the connection. Her eyes left him as he spun her in his loose hold.
“London’s tea and tobacco provider,” Thomas informed her, the two now finding themselves closer than before as Alyssa returned to his hold. Inhaling deeply, Alyssa identified the scents once more, “A company that I shall inherit,” he spoke, “However, I wish to make something of myself, by myself,” Thomas exclaimed.
He and Timothee both came from wealth, their fathers both in trade. Timothee used that to his advantage, focusing his time on writing, wasting away hours in open books or blank pages. However, Thomas could never find satisfaction in studies, taking him longer than most to perfect things. But the one thing Thomas was good at was throwing punches, after the countless fights he would find himself in as a child.
“I respect that,” Alyssa smiled, thinking of her own studies, “To tell you the truth,” She stated, hesitantly, “as soon as I arrived I wished to leave,” Alyssa felt as Thomas’s hold stiffened, “I wish to focus on my studies, but I guess we all cannot make something of ourselves,” She told him, “I am glad that you were successful. Are successful,” she corrected.
Thomas’s stare focused on Alyssa’s subtle expression and he could not help but feel guilt overcome him, slowing his steps.
***
With each step Laura made she was met with glances and approving nods. A smile crossed her lips as she met the eyes that she was aiming to secure. Timothee sipped on his champagne, his free hand in the pocket of his black trousers. Unlike the rest of the men at the ball, he did not wear a suit jacket, a simple black vest sat against a white, bell sleeved shirt. Laura laughed to herself, his outfit truly fit for a poet.
The long table was the only thing separating the two individuals as the ball bustled behind Laura. Reaching out her gloved arm, she wrapped her fingers around a small glass, unsure of its contents, “Only punch,” the poet spoke lowly over his glass, “I can get you champagne if you would like,”
“That was quite an introduction,” Laura stated with a tilt of her head. Her gaze almost challenged him as his posture straightened, no longer leaning against the room’s wall.
Timothee smiled around the glass’s rim, finishing off his drink, “Where are my manors,” he teased, setting down the empty glass, “After all, I am in the presence of one of the season’s diamonds,” his tone was cocky, making Laura’s eyebrow raise slightly out of unamusement. She watched as Timothee reached for her hand over the table, raising her hand as well. However, instead of taking his hand, her fingers wrapped around a glass of punch, placing the glass in his palm.
“That you are,” Laura spoke, “and if you wish for a proper introduction you will have to find me,” Picking up another glass, she brought it to her lips before leaving Timothee behind.
The poet stood still, shock ran through his mind. The demeanor that wrapped the rest of London’s girls around his finger had driven away one of the diamonds.
***
Thomas watched Alyssa silently as she fit against him, both of them now fell silent. He wondered if she had any interest in him, and if she did, he did not want to take any time away from her studies. Resurfacing from his thoughts, he heard the music slow to a halt, signifying the end of the dance, “Would you care for a drink,” Thomas asked, unsure if Alyssa wished to continue dancing.
“Of course,” Alyssa answered, her eyes falling on Thomas’s arm. He held out his bent arm, silently offering his lead, “Thank you,” Alyssa nodded, placing her hand on his bicep. She felt his toned arms flex in her grasp, making her feel faint. Alyssa tried to shake the simpleminded thoughts out of her, she could not find herself falling for a boxer.
Alyssa’s eyes found Laura as she headed back towards Sophia, displeased that she had just missed her friend at the drinks table. She had hoped Laura could help her current situation that she found herself in. As much as she did not want to admit, she fancied Thomas on his looks alone, and that sickened her. Alyssa had finally convinced herself that physical appearance alone would not make her happy, and the fact that at the end of the day Thomas was a brute. But the more she found herself in his presence, she realized that he was kind. Alyssa prayed for salvation from her night with Thomas, finding herself slowly finding more reasons to fall for him.
As the two neared the refreshments, Timothee straightened his shoulders. He watched as his friend led Alyssa towards him, a smile on Thomas’s face. However, the smile faded as soon as Timothee cocked his brow, throwing his friend a teasing gaze, “Timothee,” Thomas spoke, earning a look from Alyssa, “Have you met Miss Macey,”
The poet made his way to their sides, and out of the room’s corner, “I have not had the pleasure,” Timothee spoke, reaching out his hand he took Alyssa’s hold from Thomas’s arm. Thomas glanced at the poet, “However, I believe Tom had mentioned you were present at some of his matches,” his voice was sly, attempting to embarrass his friend.
“Yes, Lord-” Alyssa questioned, Thomas not introducing her properly. Her hand still sat in Timothee’s hold. Watching Alyssa’s hand in his friend’s hold, Thomas’s eyes searched for a glass of champagne. Finding one, it sat in his firm grasp.
“Chalamet,” Timothee spoke, holding her gaze, “I told Tom, if he wants to see you at his matches to invite you himself, Miss Macey,”
Thomas’s slight inhale allowed him to choke slightly on the bubbling drink. Attracting Alyssa’s eyes, he cleared his throat, “My apologies Miss Macey,” he began, watching her hand slip out of Timothee’s hold and back to her side, “I only noticed, now that Philip is gone,” Thomas began to somewhat stutter, trying to escape Timothee’s trap, “you have found yourself without chaperone,”
“That I have, my Lord,” Alyssa spoke, making Thomas’s shoulders stiffen at her formality. Something stirred within him as her voice filled his ears. Formality is proper, a requirement, but somehow it felt deeper than that in this moment.
Pushing past the emotions that stirred within him, he watched Alyssa’s eyes fall from him and onto the refreshments. The small card that sat around her wrist dangled against a small glass, “I could arrange a chaperone,” Thomas spoke, “Or reserve space front row for Lady Macey and yourself,”
Thomas watched as Alyssa hummed, last thing on her mind was being front row to a sport she despised, “And what of Miss Knightley,” She questioned, “I could not just leave her alone in the manor,”
“Consider it done,” Thomas spoke, making Timothee laugh at his desperation, “The three of you shall have the best seats in the house,”
Alyssa picked up her head, retiring her hand, “If my mother complies then so shall I,” she stated, praying that Sophia would decline his offer.
Timothee studied Alyssa’s expression. He could tell when one was bored by Thomas’s talk of sport, it was an expression he himself wore since the day he met Thomas. He pulled on his sleeve as he drowned out Thomas’s words, he spoke highly about his next match. Timothee started to wonder as to why Laura refused an introduction, his eyes raising, catching something he did not want to see. Behind his friend, he could see Laura dancing with a man older than himself, her red dress twirling like a physical red flag in his mind. He was unsure why the sight bothered him, he had plenty of debutants that would accept an offer to dance without him even knowing their names. Something about Laura was different, and he loved a challenge.
“Miss Macey,” Timothee spoke over Thomas, making his friend send him an irritated glance, “You know, Philip had once shown me your sketches one night at the club,” he smiled, watching her shoulders perk, hearing a subject that she truly wished to discuss, “I would love to see your newest work at Tom’s match next week,”
Alyssa nodded, “Of course,” she began to laugh at the thought that came to mind, “I am pretty sure I know the very night you speak of. I had gone into the drawing room to finish the still life I had been working on, only to find my sketchbook gone and the still life tidied,” her story made Timothee smile, “I told Philip off as soon as he got home, but then he actually handed me some of your work,” she told the poet.
“I am glad it made its way to your hand,” Timothee smiled, eyes flashing to Thomas, seeing his friend clench a fist at his side, “Oh sorry Tom, care to interject,”
Alyssa’s eyes found Thomas, sensing he felt out of place in the conversation, “My apologies, my Lord,” she spoke. As little as she wanted to speak about sport, she did not want to humiliate a suitor, “I have found myself getting lost within my studies. Please, continue,”
Timothee smiled, placing a hand on Alyssa’s back, “Yes, do continue Tom,” he assured, “If you two will excuse me,” he spoke, making his way out from between them and onto the tiled dance floor.
***
Laura returned to Sophia’s side, looking down at the small dance card, “Looks as if I have space for another,” she smiled to Alyssa’s mother. Laura could tell Sophia felt guilty, Timothee nowhere in sight. He had not even offered an introduction.
“I am sure I could find the young poet you had your sights on,” Sophia assured, “Everyone in London knows the boy,” correcting herself she spoke, “Philip knew him,”
“Lady Macey, I assured you that sentence alone is enough for me to decline your offer,” Laura told Sophia, “besides, I have already spoken to him tonight. I told him if he wanted an introduction, he was to ask you,” Laura’s words drew quiet as she met Timothee’s eyes.
His gate was wide as his bell-sleeved arms swung by his sides, “Lady Macey,” He smiled, the gaze he sent Sophia was soft, “I hope you have been enjoying this night,” Timothee’s soft gaze grew sharp as his eyes fell to Laura, “Lord Holland had introduced me to Miss Macey,” he explained, “It comes to no surprise that she was named one of the season’s diamonds,” His eyes fell back to Sophia, “And she the other,” he noted, finally acknowledging Laura in conversation.
Sophia nodded, “Lord Chalamet, this is Miss Laura Knightley,” she smiled, finally introducing her guest to Timothee, “She is staying with us this season,”
“My Lord,” Laura faked a smile and a small bow towards Timothee. She watched as he placed his hands behind his back, not even offering a hand as Thomas did.
Timothee smiled, “Truly, I am not one for formalities,” He smiled, “but tonight is an exception,”
“And why is that,” Laura spoke, catching herself under his gaze, “my Lord,” she watched as he reached out his hand towards Sophia, retrieving the small pencil she held.
“It is your debut ball,” Timothee spoke, his eyes falling on the list of suitors that hung from Laura’s wrist, “And I am gracing you with another dance,” his hand outstretched, however the small card withdrew from his grasp.
“I decline,” Laura smiled, feeling Sophia’s eyes fall on her, “I do believe enough men have asked for my hand tonight,” Timothee was silent as Laura’s gaze cut through him, matching his nature.
Timothee was lost for words, feeling defeated. But it was against his nature to let some else have the last word, “The night is hardly over and you decline,” he questioned.
“The others showed no hesitation, Lord Chalamet,” Laura explained, “I suggest you do the same from now on,” Timothee’s green eyes fell from Laura and onto Sophia. With a nod, he quickly walked off. Turning to Sophia, she watched Alyssa’s mother hold back a laugh, “If he wishes to court a diamond, he shall do it correctly,” Laura told her.
***
Alyssa’s lips stayed attached to the small glass, unable to even get a word into Thomas’s conversation, even if she saw fit. The suitor had been going on about boxing ever since Timothee had left. Alyssa respected Thomas’s focus and ability to create something for himself, not relying on his family’s money, however she dreaded the sport, “Of course,” She spoke over the glass’s rim as she met Thomas’s eyes, he looked as if he was waiting for her reply.
Thomas tilted his head, Alyssa’s reply having nothing to do with the topic of conversation. However, he was unable to question her, his eyes falling on Timothee. Timothee’s gate grew faster as he drew near, approaching Alyssa from behind.
Alyssa felt a hand on her wrist, making her jump. Turning her head, she met Timothee’s frustrated gaze, “Lord Chalamet-”
“She declined,” Timothee spoke, raising Alyssa’s wrist. The small card dangled in his line of sight, taunting him as only Thomas’s name sat on the white card’s surface, “What is her problem, she has been dancing with any bloke that offered a hand but declines me,”
“Laura,” Alyssa questioned, unsure on who Timothee was rambling about. Seeing him nod, a smile crossed her lips, “D-declined you,” she questioned, a small laugh bubbling from her lips, “I am sorry,”
“Looks as if the competition had the upper hand tonight,” Thomas joked, catching Timothee’s heated glance.
“This is no laughing matter,” Timothee told them, seeing the two smile at his misfortune, “Dance with me. Surely you would not deny me a dance,” Timothee proposed, wishing to get back at Laura, “You have no suitor,” His eyes fell to his friend, watching Thomas’s eyebrows furrow. Thomas bit the inside of his cheek, attempting to keep his temper at bay.
Thomas’s eyes fell on Alyssa as she did not want to decline, out of politeness, but also if she declined she would not be able to dance, “It would look as if you are unable to pencil yourself in,” Thomas spoke.
Alyssa stood between the two friends, feeling the air hang heavy with tension. She listened as they bickered lowly around her, “If you could excuse me, my Lords,” Her voice attempted to cut through, directing their eyes, “I do believe it is time for me to retire,”
“That it is,” She heard Laura’s voice call out behind her, “Lord Holland, I hate to interject,”
Thomas nodded towards the girls, elbowing Timothee to do the same, “Goodnight, Miss Macey,” Thomas spoke, “Miss Knightley,” Timothee stood silently next to him, eyes focused on anything but Laura, “We do hope you enjoyed your debut night. It was a honor,”
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Two of Diamonds: Ch. I
“Alyssa Macey,” Timothee spoke aloud in the Holland’s drawing room, “youngest of William and Sophia Macey,” he spoke over Lady Whistledown’s newsletter, the parchment sitting loosely in his grasp. Timothee was reclined on one of the drawing room’s chaise lounges, the dark green velvet making his white cotton shirt grow brighter as Thomas’s eyes focused on his friend, “Philip was their eldest, participating in last year’s season,” he smiled, “So that is why she has not been to your matches. It would be nice to see Philip again,” Timothee exclaimed, “He appreciated the arts as well as sport. He was very well rounded,” Setting down the newsletter, he looked up at his friend.
Thomas sent Timothee an annoyed glance as he made his way to his family’s piano, “You cannot expect her to be at a match without a chaperone,” he explained, sitting on the small velvet bench, fingers resting on the ivory keys. It has been some time since he had last played, his mother advising him to learn at a young age.
“Since when do you play again,” Timothee questioned, “I am sure Alyssa would approve more of that than your punches. Philip would go on and on about her studies,” Timothee told Thomas, “I have seen some of her sketches, they are quite detail oriented,”
“As you said,” Thomas spoke, pressing down a few keys, “It is best to be well rounded,”
***
The sound Alyssa and Laura’s flats bounced off of the high ceilings as they made their way down the house’s large staircase. The two exchanged glances as they heard Sophia’s voice ringing from the drawing room. Laura’s hand trailed down the cold metal banister as Alyssa hiked up her dress’s skirt, following by her friend’s side.
“Your dresses have arrived,” Sophia smiled, “for tomorrow’s ball,” She motioned to Lucretia who held the draped fabric in her arms, “Lucretia will hang them in your rooms. I am sure Madame Delacroix has made the dress to your liking Laura,”
“No doubt,” Laura smiled, excitement crossing her face as her eyes caught a glimpse of red and olive fabric, “I hope mine is the red,” She neared Lucretia, touching the thin parchment that hid the full gowns from view.
“Tomorrow,” Alyssa breathed out, forgetting just how soon the ball had become, “Right, of course,” She spoke, “We shall try them on after breakfast, Mama,”
***
Stepping back from the full length mirror, Eleanor adjusted the dress’s outer red fabric, “Madame Delacroix did a fantastic job, Miss,” the housekeeper spoke with a smile, “Do you not think so,” she studied Laura’s expression. The brunette was lost in thought, her mind wondering just how fast the ball truly did approach.
“It is fantastic,” Laura assured, “I am quite looking forward to tomorrow. I just am not sure what to expect,” Her eyes studied the long gown. The bulk of the fabric was an off white satin. Sitting over the thin fabric was a heavy wine red, leaving the front of the gown’s white satin exposed. The entire gown was adored in gold beaded and embroidered filigree. The bodice’s fabric was gathered between the breasts, held in place by a mother of pearl brooch.
“Looking like this, I would expect many offers to dance,” Eleanor exclaimed, “That is on looks alone. Do not forget that you and Miss Macey are the diamonds of the season,” she smiled, “Everyone reads Whistledown,”
“Everyone,” Laura questioned, thinking about Timothee. She wondered if a poet would read something as garrulous as Lady Whistledown, “I suppose you are right. Afterall, who does not love a good scandal,” she smiled.
Eleanor stepped back, allowing Laura to pace in front of the mirror, “Would you like to show Miss Macey,” she questioned, “I am sure Lucretia has her in her gown as well,”
“Of course,” Laura exclaimed, her hands gathered the fabric as she headed to the large door to her room. Existing, she traveled down the long hall, Eleanor following.
The house’s long hallway was lined with paintings, some new but most of them old. Laura’s pace slowed as her brown eyes studied the walls before she found herself in front of Alyssa’s door. Raising her hand, she knocked.
“Yes,” She heard Alyssa’s voice question, signalling her to open the door. As the old wood creaked, Laura peered into the large room.
Alyssa’s room was lined in white wallpaper, covered in a yellow and green botanical print. A writing desk sat opposite the bed, which she used for sketching and writing letters to Laura before the season. Alyssa stood in front of a large mirror, much larger than the one in the spare room. Her friend held up her hair, viewing the gown without her ebony locks against the fabric.
Her gown almost mirrored Laura’s, yet more simple. It too had a similar satin underdress, yet hers had a layer of tulle over the skirt. The overdress sat under her bust, an olive green. The underbust strap was held together by an ornate brass clasp. The green gown had similar botanical embroidery as Laura’s, but larger, focusing on the fabric’s seams. Unlike her previous gown, this one had a small train, something she was not quite used to.
“I am going to have to wear my hair quite taut with these sleeves,” Alyssa told Lucretia, the dress’s off white fabric standing up, a ruffle extending her shoulders, “Are you sure they even suit me,” The gown was quite simple, the way she liked. She knew that her gown’s tall shoulders would draw attention.
“As Whistledown said, we are the Two of Diamonds,” Laura spoke, walking into the room, “We will attract attention no matter the occasion. Might as well give them something to glance at,” Making her way to her friend’s side, she examined the tall fabric.
“You are right,” Alyssa sighed, “I just hope it catches the right glances and not all of the old men,” her comment made Laura laugh, “Yours is gorgeous,” she complimented.
“Thomas will like it,” Laura spoke, ignoring her friend’s compliment, “He could not take his eyes off of you in your other dresses,” she met Alyssa’s gaze, “Wait until he sees your new gown,”
“I’m sure Timothee will ask you to dance,” Alyssa assured, matching Laura’s support, “He will have to fight off the rest of London to get your hand,”
***
The carriage halted. As the two friends looked at each other, a last private glance of reassurance was exchanged. Alyssa felt as Sophia gave her hand a small squeeze, “I shall keep my eyes out for Thomas and Timothee,” Sophia assured, “If I can secure it, they will be the first introductions of the night,”
“Mama,” Alyssa spoke, her tone a bit harsh from nerves. Meeting Laura’s eyes, she watched her friend’s glance hint at disapproval, “That would be lovely. Laura and I would like that,” she corrected as the door opened. Not able to get another word out to her mother, she watched as Sophia exited into the night air, “Good luck,” Alyssa told her friend.
“I do not think we will need luck,” Laura smiled, “We have the Queen’s favor,” she assured her, watching her friend follow Sophia.
***
Thomas’s eyes had scanned the room a few dozen times, each time unsuccessful, “Will you take me up on the offer now,” Timothee questioned by his side, a drink in hand, “Have a drink, collect yourself,” he smiled around the champagne’s glass, “You look as desperate as a debutante,” He watched Thomas grab the drink that sat in his opposite hand.
“Forgive me for being cautious,” Thomas spoke, “she has the Queen’s favor, which means she will have half of London asking her to dance tonight,” he watched as Timothee’s eyes followed every girl in his line of sight, making Thomas sigh, “You know you can only pick one, right,” Thomas mocked.
“If you would quit thinking about me you would have realized she is here,” Timothee spoke, his eyes focused on the Macey’s arrival, gaze fixed on Laura. Her brunette hair was pulled back into a low woven bun. Her locks fell over the tips of her ears in waves, gathering behind her head. Timothee’s eyes left her wine red dress, falling on the amount of glances the group received, “They certainly light up the room,” he spoke into his glass, taking a large sip.
Absentmindedly, Thomas left his friend’s side as he made his way to the front of the ballroom and towards the two girls and their chaperone. He followed Alyssa’s olive green dress as he weaved through the crowd, heads turning towards her with each step she made. Alyssa’s, off white, gloved arm was hooked within her mother’s as they searched for an opening on the floor. Thomas halted, feeling Timothee’s hand grab his wrist from behind. Turning to the poet, he was met with his drink back in his grasp, “Who is the debutante, Thomas,” Timothee teased, reminding his friend to practice his patience, “Let us view the competition,”
“I told you, they are all staring,” Laura spoke, her gold necklace raising as she took a deep breath, “Let us give Whistledown something to write about tonight,” she tried to lighten the mood, feeling her friend’s discomfort, “What could possibly have you down,”
Alyssa’s eyes were fixed on the floor in front of her before meeting Laura’s gaze, the tightness of her bun starting a growing headache, “I could paint a better picture of tonight, at home, with my watercolours,” she spoke, part of her not wanting to spend hours on something that did not hold her interest. She wished to draw, paint, or play her violin. Alyssa begged for a subject matter that she had control over, “At least I could control the outcome,”
“There are many ways to control men,” Laura spoke, “That is one of our new studies that we shall do together,” she laughed, catching Alyssa trying not to smile, “Plus, you need not worry. Thomas rushed through half of the ballroom as soon as we arrived,” she whispered, losing her friend’s gaze.
Thomas was greeted by Alyssa’s gaze as soon as he brought the champagne to his lips, making his shoulders stiffen.
He studied her, after her eyes left his. Alyssa’s ebony hair was taut, collected in a bun on the back of her head, her thick hair made the bun quite large. Small, loose curled hairs framed her face, sitting against her forehead and cheeks. A short, simple golden chain held a round golden locket against her sternum. He watched as her mother searched the room, now it was her turn to lock eyes with him.
A smile played on Sophia’s lips as she spoke, “Thomas will no doubt make haste,” Sophia spoke to her daughter, not breaking Thomas’s eye contact. He sipped on his champagne, fighting his urge to leave Timothee’s side.
Thomas always was the offensive type, in and out of the boxing ring. He wanted the advantage to Alyssa’s favor, knowing how many eyes were on her. He watched as Sophia nodded, as if reading his mind, “Timothee,” Thomas began to speak, but his friend cut him short.
“The whole room can see you itching, Tom,” Timothee spoke, another drink somehow appeared in his hand, “it is embarrassing to say the least,”
His eyes did not leave Sophia’s gaze as he spoke, “Then come with me,” he instructed his friend, the last thing he wanted was to see Timothee drunk, stringing along girls for another season, “At least speak to her, and if you are not interested,”
“And what makes you think I am not,” Timothee questioned, “She has certainly caught my eye. But as I said, I am viewing my competition,” he spoke quietly, sipping on the bubbling drink.
Catching a few men moving towards the two diamonds, Thomas’s posture straightened. Finally, he turned his head, meeting Timothee’s narrowed eyes, “Then you shall wait for my return,” Thomas stated.
“One dance, Tom,” Timothee spoke, “You have a reputation to hold as well as she,” he reminded his friend, “I would hate to see your mind clouded in the ring. But if it all goes south, I will be betting against you at the next match,” he almost smirked around the glass, watching his friend’s eyes roll.
Thomas turned back towards Alyssa. His assumptions were correct as he witnessed a few men standing before Alyssa and Laura, Sophia introducing them, almost cautiously. As discreet as he could, he quickened his pace, leaving his friend behind him. Alyssa’s eyes fell from the tall man in front of her, to him as he called out, “Lady Macey,”
Approaching them, Alyssa studied Thomas. His black suit jacket covered a brown tweed vest. His starch white shirt was not fully buttoned, allowing the collar to be accentuated, much like the shoulders of Alyssa’s gown, “Thomas,” Sophia smiled, “I hope you can forgive my gaze earlier,” she coaxed, “It has been some time,” the attention she gave Thomas, made the two men nod, excusing themselves to Sophia and then to Alyssa and Laura.
Taking the opportunity, Thomas stepped to the side, closer to Alyssa, positioning himself in front of Sophia, “That it has,” He assured, his eyes falling towards Alyssa’s gaze, “Miss Macey,” he nodded. No matter if he caught her eyes, she would not hold his gaze, her eyes falling, “How is Philip and his wife,” he questioned, his gaze held on Alyssa before falling back to Sophia, seeing her smile.
“Yes, yes. They are well. They enjoy Manchester,” Sophia explained. Clearing her throat she placed her gloved hand on the small of her daughter’s back, “I am not sure if Philip had introduced you to my daughter Alyssa,” she questioned, “She had accompanied him to a few of your matches,” Sophia gave Alyssa a light push, making her daughter meet Thomas’s eyes, “and, Lord Holland, this is Laura Knightley. She is joining us this season, from Cambridge,”
Laura gave Thomas a nod, a small smile sat on her red, blushed lips, “I do believe I have seen you in town,” she teased, yet her tone was innocent, “It is a pleasure,”
Thomas nodded, slightly embarrassed, however he turned to Alyssa. This time he met her brown eyes as her lips parted, “I apologize, Lord Holland,” Alyssa spoke, “My brother offered an introduction, but I did not want to trouble you at your match,” she told him truthfully.
He nodded, “I appreciate your consideration,” Thomas assured, “However, if you would do me the honor, Miss Macey,” he spoke, outstretching his hand, “as it is your debut day,” Thomas watched as Alyssa raised her hand, without a second thought, however she hesitated.
Turning to her mother, she watched Sophia nod, “Of course,” Alyssa quietly accepted. Sophia placed a small pencil in Thomas’s hand, allowing him to write in his name on the small card that dangled from every debutante’s wrist. Her glance fell to his hands, watching his gentle touch. She thought it was odd at how gentle his touch could be as a boxer.
Thomas raised his gaze, handing Sophia back the pencil before meeting Alyssa’s eyes. He outstretched his hand allowing her gloved fingers touched his palm. She almost shivered at the interaction, however the chill faded as his warm grasp concealed her fingers. Turning her head, she met Laura’s smiling eyes and with a silent nod the friends parted ways for the night.
“She had quite the early start,” Laura spoke to Sophia, smiling as her eyes found a table lined with small glasses, “Lady Macey, may I excuse myself,” She questioned, “I would like a drink,”
Sophia smiled from where her eyes were fixed on Thomas leading her daughter through the crowd, “Of course dear,” She approved, “However, please do try to keep introductions to a minimum. It is best if they come to you here,”
“Of course,” Laura smiled, her eyes finding Timothee as he leaned against the room’s wall. The poet had tucked himself away, observing the crowd, “I would not have it any other way,”
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Two of Diamonds: Prologue
It was early January of 1813, the new season in London was drawing near as Alyssa sat in the Macey house’s drawing room. Letters sat on the ornate table in front of her as a cup of tea sat in her hands. Any moment her friend would be arriving from her trip into the city, participating in this year’s season with her. Taking a deep breath, she sipped on her tea, wishing the nerves would pass.
Alyssa truly did not wish to participate in the Queen’s viewing in the following week with her friend and the rest of the ton in London. She was not keen on the idea of being courted, just wanting to focus on her studies of the arts. However, that truth would never quite surface.
Surfacing through Alyssa’s thoughts was her housekeeper’s voice, “Miss Macey, Laura Knightley has arrived,” her voice was soft, not wanting to startle Alyssa in her daydream-like state.
“Finally,” Alyssa spoke, setting down the small cup. Her eyes found the little amount of tea remaining, pausing for a moment, the cup returned to her hand. Lips pressed against the thin porcelain, she finished her drink, “She’s late Lucy, I’ve been reading her letters, again and again,”
“It begin to rain Miss,” Lucretia spoke, breaking through Alyssa’s rambling. The two were quite close, as close as a worker can get with the ton family they served that is. Lucretia would like to think that Alyssa would consider her an acquaintance. She did call her ‘Lucy’ after all.
“So it has,” Alyssa spoke over the room’s silence, focusing on the sound of each raindrop that fell against the room’s large, window panes. Her hands found their way to the fabric of the long skirt of her dress. The sage green, satin fabric felt cool against her skin as she gathered it slightly, allowing her to make heist towards the room’s large doors. Watching as Lucretia stepped towards her she almost laughed, “Lucy, please. I want to see my friend,”
“The other housekeepers are tending to her,” Lucretia assured, “I will send her to the drawing room when she is settled,”
Lucretia was right, she should let Laura settle after her journey in this weather. However she was keen on at least greeting her. Alyssa watched as Lucretia left the drawing room, closing its large, decorative doors.
***
The fire that kindled in the large fireplace began to die down as Alyssa sat, waiting for Laura’s company. She set down the sketchbook that sat on her lap, the room’s light now too dim to work. Picking up an unlit candelabra, she walked towards the tapering fire, carefully lighting the candles’ wicks.
“You could have asked me for a match,” Laura’s voice cut in, making Alyssa rise to her feet. The candle’s glow reflected off of Laura’s silk dress, its fabric looking dark in the low lit room. Stepping towards her, she sat the candelabra down on the low table, away from her letters and sketchbook. The flames now illuminated the two in the middle of the drawing room. Laura’s dress was a dark green, making Alyssa smile slightly at their dresses similarities.
“How was the trip,” Alyssa questioned, “I had not realized it began to rain,” she admitted, watching Laura make her way to the long couch that sat behind her friend.
“Longer than expected,” Laura spoke, motioning to her friend to take a seat beside her. Her eyes focused on the stack of letters she had sent Alyssa sitting on the table in front of them, “but I believe you are quite aware,” she laughed, reaching out, she took a few of the parchments that sat atop the pile.
“I was only checking to see of the day,” Alyssa defended out of slight embarrassment, “it is quite late. I almost went off to bed,” She sighed deeply, “We have an appointment in the morning, a dress fitting,”
“Right,” Laura smiled, quite enthused at the thought of owning a new gown for the Queen’s viewing, “What are the men like here in London, I could not imagine the marriage mart of Cambridge,” she joked, brown eyes falling onto Alyssa’s sketchbook that sat on the table. Without question, she picked it up.
The hand binded sketchbook was filled with charcoal still lives of many objects found around the Macey household. The pages were lined with illustrations of expensive vases, ornate figures and studies of many paintings that lined the house’s decorated walls.
“The men in London are quite their own breed,” Alyssa spoke, “the older men repulse me and most of the younger ones care too much for their sports. But there are poets, painters, musicians,” her mind wandered to a specific poet who was well known by the girls of the ton, “The poet only breaks hearts, turning down all of the infatuated,” Alyssa thought of the many times she had heard girls cry over him while she was to be fitted for a new gown.
“And the one you care for,” Laura questioned, meeting her friend’s gaze, which immediately dropped.
Alyssa searched her mind for any excuse. Not wanting her friend to know that the man that caught her eye focused on sport. She could scold herself for ever falling for a man who was a boxer. She only knew based on her elder brother, Philip’s, insight, “My focus has been on my studies,” Alyssa assured, her voice hinted a lie, “however, the poet has a friend,”
“Quite fitting,” Laura spoke, interrupting her friend’s weak voice, “we shall start there,”
***
“It is quite nice to see a friend,” Lucretia spoke, “and to be able to support each other throughout the season,” The housekeeper spoke as she poured Alyssa a glass of water, placing it on her bedside table.
Alyssa turned her brown gaze from where it was stuck in the small book between her hands, “Quite,” She spoke quietly, mind still turning about what was waiting for the friends in the morning.
“It is not so scary, Miss,” Lucretia spoke, “if I may be so bold, I have noticed your interest in the boxer, Thomas,” she spoke slowly, baiting Alyssa’s reaction before she spoke another word.
“That is too bold,” Alyssa warned, friendliness still lining her words, making Lucretia smile, “I have many things to focus on other than a brute. Besides you would not catch me at another one of his matches now that Philip is absent,” she informed, “Furthermore,” Alyssa paused, her eyes focusing back on the page before her, “his sideburns are distasteful,”
“Get rest, Miss Macey,” Lucretia assured, a smile still sitting on her lips, “I will awake you hours before the fitting. Eleanor shall wake Miss Knightley,”
“Of course,” Alyssa spoke, her mind still racing from when Thomas’s name left her housekeeper’s lips. Closing her book, she retired it to her bedside drawer, “I shall see you in the morning, Lucy,” Alyssa’s eyes followed the housekeeper until she was alone in her room. Her mind wandered to the first time she had attended Thomas’s boxing match with Philip before his marriage.
Philip Macey had participated in the previous year’s season, and to prepare his sister, he had dragged her to a handful of boxing matches. Philip enjoyed the sport, too much for Alyssa’s comfort at that, however, he spent his time pointing out any man that would be of her season. That is when she had first seen Thomas Holland.
“Thomas is one of the youngest boxers in London,” Philip stated, “I would feel secure knowing that you had someone who could handle you,” her brother teased, “someone who could protect you as well,” Philip was looking out for her since he soon would be unable to do so himself. Once Philip was to make his proposal, he was to relocate to Norwich, following a job in trade.
“I have things to handle myself,” Alyssa spoke over the loud crowd they found themselves in, “My art, I even picked up the violin,” she informed her brother who had been swept up in the season’s romance, “You have been absent, I doubt you are even aware,” her voice grew silent as she focused on the strength of Thomas’s punches. She studied him as he traveled around the ring, almost making her hum in amusement. From the waist down, he was dressed for the occasion, however he still wore a white cotton shirt. The shirt’s sleeves were rolled, buttons undone, attacking the women’s gaze.
After Alyssa had seen him at that first match, he had caught her eyes around London. Sometimes she swore he was following her every move, however she, just now, was made aware of him. Around London, she had always found him with a book in hand, giving her some hope. But Alyssa had to remind herself how he really spends his time. No matter how hard she tried to look the other way, her eyes were always drawn to his rolled sleeves, tweed pants, and pointed shoes. His hair held into place with gel, its ends curling slightly.
Alyssa attempted to shake the thoughts out of her head, focusing on some rest before she and Laura are fitted for their white gowns. Taking a deep breath, she began to relax, feeling her thoughts fade as she drifted off to sleep. Suddenly, a knock at the door snapped her awake. Eyes opening, she found Lucretia’s warm gaze, making her groan aloud.
“Anxious, Miss,” Lucretia questioned, seeing that Alyssa had already awoke, “Miss Knightley is waiting for you, breakfast is being prepared,”
“Splendid,” Alyssa groaned, faking a smile. Swinging her feet out from the heavy covers and duvet, they settled against the room’s hardwood floor. Stretching her arms she heard Lucretia digging through her wardrobe, helping her select which dress she would wear out for the day. Alyssa wondered if she would see Thomas in town. Pushing past her thoughts, she questioned her housekeeper, “What color dress is Laura wearing for the day? When she arrived we were both in green,” she smiled, “I would not want to attract too much attention out today,”
“I am sure the two of you will catch many glances no matter the case,” Lucretia added, “The two of you are quite beautiful, Miss,” she assured, holding out a pale yellow dress. The yellow was more of an ochre than a bright hue. The satin dress had a layer of tulle that sat over the soft fabric. The puffed, tulle sleeves had ribbon detail, similar satin fabric bunched at the skirts base.
“That will suffice,” Alyssa spoke, walking towards the dress that sat in Lucretia’s hands. She studied the lace detailing that traveled up the dress’s skirt, “No doubt Laura’s dress will draw more attention- It is her first day in London,”
Laura sat at the long table, a cup of tea in her right hand. She wore a plum dress, gold detailing woven in its fabric. The waist band and fan she carried, coincidentally, a yellow ochre. Her chestnut locks were curled, brought out of her face and into a loose bun. Her bangs were curled, sitting a bit higher on her forehead than she is used to, but she did not mind. Laura prayed the footsteps she heard were her friend’s, allowing her to no longer sit alone at the table with Alyssa’s mother.
“How is your sister,” Sophia Macey questioned Laura as the two sat at the table, “How is her marriage to the Duke,” Sophia sipped on her tea as she waited for Laura’s reply.
“Luxuries and riches, I imagine,” Laura spoke, “The time between her letters grow longer, but she has responsibilities,” She watched as Sophia nodded, the ebony curls of her hair bouncing, her stripe of grey adding elegance and wisdom to her appearance, “How is Philip? Alyssa had not spoken much last night,” Laura added, “We were both quite tired,”
Sophia smiled at the thought of her eldest, “Yes, Philip and Beatrice wed in Norwich. Which was the last time Alyssa had seen you, when we stayed the day in Cambridge,” She explained, smoothing out the skirt of her pale, mint green dress, “His work required his move quicker than we had expected. He works in sea trade,”
“Fascinating,” Laura spoke kindly, although Sophia was not poor company, she hoped Alyssa would join them, “I am just glad to be able to make my debut with Alyssa this season. I truly appreciate your kindness in letting me stay for these months,”
Before Sophia could accept Laura’s gratitude, Alyssa had made her way into the dining room, “I apologize,” She spoke, “My hair did not want to comply,” her hands lightly touched her ebony hair that was pulled and curled to the back of her head, tendrils framing her face.
Sophia set down her cup, a smile crossing her lips, “I think you look lovely,” she told her daughter, “Excited for our day in town,” She questioned, watching her daughter fake a smile.
“As alway, Mama,” Alyssa falsely assured, “But I am sure Laura holds most of the excitement,” she spoke, taking a seat at the table. Now that she had arrived, the housekeepers brought out the food for the morning’s breakfast.
***
Thomas tapped his fingers against the tavern’s wooden table. He felt as if he had been waiting for his friend for an eternity. Just as the thought crossed his mind he watched as the thin poet took a seat across from him, “Hell,” Thomas groaned, “took you long enough, Timothee,” Thomas had bought the first round over twenty minutes ago, leaving the drink that sat in front of Timothee to make its way into his friend’s hold, “How many girls did you ruin on the way over,”
Timothee laughed, running his thin fingers through his dark curls, messing up the gel that once held them in place. Thomas wondered if that was his doing, or if many hands had been running through his locks, “Jealousy is a disease Tom,” he spoke artfully, “Besides, you have just as many women’s eyes on you,” he assured his friend, “However, you choose not to act upon it,” Timothee took a large sip of ale, “The stars aligned, our outing happened to be fitting day,” he informed Thomas.
Timothee’s eyes studied his friend, both of them quite opposite the other. Timothee wore a thin cotton shirt, its sleeves long and pillowing at the cuffs. A wool black vest sat over the white fabric, giving his body back its shape and thinness that was hidden away. On the other hand, Thomas had the body of a boxer, his broad shoulders hunching as he leaned against the tarven’s table. His high collar, cotton shirt was rolled to the elbows, hiding behind a similar vest, as well as a black fabric tie. His grey wool vest matched his pants that were hidden beneath the table. His legs were spread, sharp toed shoes planted firmly on the ground.
Turning his head, Thomas looked across the way. The town’s well known dress shop in sight. His eyes cycled through many girls that occupied its exterior, “So it is,” He would be lying if he said this season did not have a handful of beautiful girls, however he was not as interested as his friend. As his eyes made their last cycle through, he caught someone’s gaze.
Thomas’s eyes focused on the girl, who had already looked away. He had recognized her from a few of his fights. Tuning out Timothee’s voice, he searched his mind for any thought of her. She had always accompanied a taller man with ebony hair. He wondered if that could be her brother, Philip Macey.
“Tom,” Timothee’s voice grew louder as his friend reached across the table, shaking his shoulders.
“Sorry, I,” Thomas spoke, “I saw someone that has not been to my matches in quite some time,” He watched as Timothee’s eyes followed his gaze, a smile crossing his face.
“Why not go over and invite her personally,” Timothee suggested. Before Thomas could turn down his friend’s idea, the girl and her party had made their way into the shop, Thomas catching her gaze once more, “We will just wait for them to finish their fitting,” Timothee spoke, pushing back his friend’s shoulder, “Fix your posture mate,” he laughed.
***
Alyssa stood behind Laura, hiding herself away from Thomas’s gaze, “What has gotten into you,” Laura teased, “Waiting outside was a perfectly fine idea,” she spoke, looking around the crowded shop, “I feel like an animal packed in this shop,” however her claim grew quiet as her eyes caught the dresses that lined the walls.
Alyssa’s gaze was fixed on the tarven’s window, making out Thomas and Timothee’s silhouettes somewhat, “Thomas is in the tarven,” She spoke quietly, not wanting her mother to hear her speaking of a man.
“Thomas? Is that the poet’s friend? Or one of your studies,” Laura smiled, finding herself back at Alyssa’s side, “Is his poet friend with him,” she questioned.
“Timothee,” Alyssa questioned, “Of course,” she barely breathed out as Laura lightly pushed her away from the window.
Looking out towards the tarven, Laura made out the shape of two men in the nearest window, “And you failed to tell me,” Spreading her fan, she covered her face, attempting to be more discrete. Her eyes followed their silhouettes as they traveled through the tarven, exiting through the front door, “Thomas is surely keeping an eye on this place. You think he has an appointment,” Laura teased, yet her eyes were fixed on the boxer’s friend.
“Laura, please,” Alyssa spoke, meeting the dress maker’s gaze. The woman nodded, it was her turn for a fitting, “Do not,” She warned before stepping into a small room.
“That must be your friend who is joining us for the season,” Madame Delacroix, the dressmaker, spoke, “Your mother had given me her measurements. I assure that you will both look you will shine for the Queen,”
“Thank you Madame Delacroix. I have no doubt,” Alyssa assured, beginning to remove her gown. With a smile, Madame Delacroix began to uncover her new gown.
The white gown was floor length, a length which Alyssa preferred for her first public debut. The fabric was satin, decorated in subtle, golden embroidered filigree. The same filigree sat on the bodice’s mock corset. Golden gimp trimmed the corset’s v-lined opening that sat over the bodice’s sweetheart neckline. For a moment, Alyssa almost convinced herself that she was looking forward to the Queen’s event.
Stepping out of the small room, one other family remained in the shop, and to her dismay, the closest mirror sat by the shop’s window, “I will leave you and your mother to discuss the gown,” Madame Delacroix informed her, “excuse me, I must get the other girl into her gown,”
“Of course,” Alyssa breathed out over her heartbeat, “Thank you again, Madame Delacroix. It is beautiful,” she smiled, receiving one in return. Walking past the family closest to her she thanked them as they sent their compliments. Holding her breath, she approached her own mother. However, her eyes were not looking for her reaction, but Thomas’s gaze through the glass.
“Oh Alyssa,” Alyssa heard her mother surge, gloved hands covering her smiling lips. Or more so Alyssa assumed, her eyes instead caught Thomas’s dark brown stare. She could not hold the contact for more than a second, warmth rising to her cheeks, hearing Laura laugh.
Clearing her throat, Laura did not wish for Sophia to think lowly of her. Sophia being unaware of the situation at hand, “Very you,” She spoke quickly, “It is very lovely, I am sure you will catch Thomas’s eyes,” Laura could not help but say, making Alyssa turn her head, eyebrows furrowed.
“Who is Thomas,” Sophia spoke quickly, “You never showed any interest in this Thomas before,” Turning to Laura, her gaze urged the friend to continue.
“He is no one Mama, Laura is just teasing,” Alyssa spoke, looking back at her reflection, trying to focus back on the purpose of their visit, “I do love this gown,”
“He is right outside, Lady Macey,” Laura exclaimed, “His eyes have been on the window ever since she set foot in the shop,”
“Do not look,” Alyssa spoke to her mother through the mirror’s reflection, but Sophia had already caught a glance.
Both Thomas and Timothee were looking towards the shop, Timothee saying something to Thomas, placing a hand on his shoulder before his gaze fell on a woman who passed by, “Holland,” Sophia questioned, surprised her daughter found interested in a boxer, “London’s youngest boxer,”
“I loathe the sport, Mama, you know this,” Alyssa assured, turning at an angle, studying the gown, “I only know him through Philip. Barely at that. Now please,” She pleaded, praying that Madame Delacroix would save her from this exchange. And to her delight, the dressmaker walked over.
“You have an audience,” Madame Delacroix teased, also catching Thomas’s eyes. In return, making him walk off, heading back into the tarven, “What does Lady Macey think about the gown,” She questioned, pinching the fabric in at Alyssa’s waist, pinning it.
“Perfection, Madame Delacroix,” Sophia spoke, eyes falling back onto the gown from where they sat, inspecting the tarven’s window, “I am sure it will be to our liking, I shall pay for it as we speak then you may take your time,” Sophia beamed, the attention her daughter was receiving rushed through her. Opening her matching green clutch, she pulled out a pen and check.
“I could have gone without all of this,” Alyssa told Laura as she stood by her side, looking at Alyssa’s reflection in the mirror, “I want nothing to do with him. And if I did, I am sure all of this scared him off,”
Laura studied her friend’s expression as Alyssa would not meet her gaze, “Reassurance never hurt anyone,” She spoke, “Besides I believe your mother is just as nervous as you are. Philip moving away last season, and now you. She will be truly alone. With your father being away for business,”
“Right,” Alyssa spoke as she watched her mother pay for her new gown, Madame Delacroix and her mother sharing a smile.
***
Laura slipped into the sheer tulle fabric, the long train falling behind her and out the small room. A smile crossed her lips as Madame Delacroix buttoned up the back of her dress, it was a perfect fit.
Walking out, the shop was now empty, only the three women residing. Holding the front of her dress, she stepped up onto the platform that sat in front of the large mirror. However, Laura’s eyes fell outside the window, landing on those of Timothee. His eyes fell from a passing woman and onto her, “Huh,” Laura spoke aloud, identifying the poet.
Alyssa’s gaze trailed up Laura’s long train, covered in golden beaded feathers. Her gown was more elegant than her own, however the two gowns complimented each other almost perfectly. The gown's puffed, tulle sleeves cut off below the shoulder, its bodice a straight neckline, showing off Laura’s chest and collarbones. It was plain tulle compared to the ornate skirt and train.
Turning her head, Laura met Alyssa’s gaze in the mirror’s reflection, “Do you like it,” She questioned, watching her friend nod.
“The gown is stunning,” Alyssa spoke, “We shall hope the Queen is a fan of the train,” she spoke, “It suits you. You look beautiful, a perfect neckline for pearls,”
***
Laura stepped out of the shop, eyes searching for the poet and the boxer, but they were no were in sight. Letting out a sigh, she spoke, “They must have left, with all that time she took to tailor our dresses,”
“It is her job,” Alyssa spoke, stepping next to her friend. Laura’s fan covered her face as she looked for Thomas. Realizing that Laura was right, she closed the fan, handing back to her friend, “That is what we came into town for, our dresses,”
“Yes but it would have been a perfect time for me to introduce you to Thomas,” Sophia added from behind, “without the pressure of a ball. Without dozens of girls properly swooning, he is well known afterall,”
“Mama,” Alyssa spoke, feeling as if she were being treated like a child, when in reality she was a week away from being auctioned off as a bride, “In due time, I dread,”
***
It was only moments until the first name was called and presented to the Queen. The debutantes all waited behind closed doors. The friends’ eyes searched the room, taking in the sea of white and gold dresses. The dresses are simple, like Alyssa’s mother’s.
“The most beautiful of the lot,” Sophia assured, a proud smile sat on her lips and tears in her eyes. She fixed the necklace that sat around Alyssa’s neck, it was her grandmothers from her father’s side, a matching bracelet sat on her left wrist. The diamonds caught the castle’s light as she took a deep breath. Her eyes fell to Laura, a pearl necklace sat against her chest with pearl earrings dangling from her ears, “I will escort you both, and you two will be wonderful,” Sophia told them, watching them silently nod, their nerves getting the best of them.
***
“Miss Alyssa Macey,” The man’s voice called from behind the large doors, “and Miss Laura Knightley,” his voice rang through the friends’s ears, “Presented by the Right Honorable Lady Macey,” he finished before the set of doors opened. Both stood still, waiting for the other to take the first step. However, Laura took the burden, her gold flats peeking out from under her gown, stepping into the long room.
The Queen sat at the head of the room, her throne framed by a large oil painting which sat in an ornate golden frame. The room was lined with judging eyes, and somehow they seemed surprised, as if the debutantes before them had been a failure. The crowd took in the two women, small, ornate golden crowns sat woven into their locks. Behind them, next to Sophia, a man held Laura’s train as they made their way to the Queen.
Leaning in, the Queen had uttered a silent claim to the man that stood to her right, allowing the room to stir. As the two reached the Queen’s gaze, they bowed, chests heaving in the heat and under the pressure of the room’s judging glances. Offering her hand to a servant, the Queen stood, leaving her throne and standing in front of the two debutantes. Not daring to meet the Queen’s eyes, the two left their heads hanging. However, their gazes lifted as they watched the Queen’s hands reach out, lifting both of their chins, making them rise to their feet.
The Queen’s gaze was stern and judging, while a smile crossed her lips, “Flawless my dears,” the Queen praised, bending forward. She placed a light kiss to their foreheads before turning her back, returning to her throne.
Alyssa and Laura exchanged a quick glance, small smiles crossing their lips before they took a step back, bowing with Sophia by their side, “Keep smiling, my dear,” her mother whispered, “They are all watching,”
***
Alyssa’s hands filled through her dresses, deciding on her simplest for her day at home. However, she was interrupted by an open door, making her jump, “Laura,” she shouted, in her undergarments, “Knock,”
“I have gotten the new Whistledown,” Laura stated, shoving it into her friend’s grasp, “Front page, read it,” She almost beamed, making Alyssa wonder what put Laura in such a good mood, early morning.
“Who is Whistledown,” Alyssa questioned, eyes not falling on the parchment that sat between her fingers. She watched as Laura rolled her eyes, walking toward the open wardrobe, looking through it.
“I got my hands on a few of her scandal sheets in Cambridge,” Laura informed, “Paid the girl a decent amount for them too. But they were worth it, nothing exciting in Cambridge newsletters, just the Queen,” She spoke, a hand running over a few of the dresses' fabrics, “She spreads the season’s gossip. Philip did not make any of the newsletters I have. That is probably why you do not know of Lady Whistledown,”
Grasping Alyssa’s curiosity, her eyes skimmed the page that read:
High hopes were waiting for January 1813’s debutantes by readers and for that I, Lady Whistledown have not come shorthanded. For this season, it is told that the Queen has favored not one, but a pair of debutantes. Not only naming one, but two season’s Incomparables. Do not take to heart everything that I claim, but only know that the chosen two shine brighter than the lot they keep in company. I, Lady Whistledown, do not hesitate to declare Alyssa Macey and Laura Knightley as season’s the Two of Diamonds.
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